snow surface, but readily
became frozen down to ice, so that an ice-axe would have to be used to
chip them free.

On August 13, though there was a steady, strong wind blowing, we
continued our advance to the south. The dogs hated to face wind, but, on
the whole, did better than expected. In the afternoon, when only eight
miles south of Winter Quarters and at an altitude of two thousand feet,
dark and lowering clouds formed overhead, and I decided to give up any
idea of going farther out, for the time being. We had provisions for
a few days only, and there was every indication of thick, drifting
weather, during which, in the crevassed ice of that vicinity, it would
not be advisable to travel.

After depoting a pick, shovel and some pemmican, we started back,
thinking it might be possible to reach the Hut the same night. However,
driven by a strong wind over a polished, slippery surface split into
small crevasses, down a grade which steepened quickly, we required to
have all our senses vigilant. Two of the dogs remained in harness and
the rest were allowed to run loose ahead. These two strained every
effort to catch up to their companions.

We retarded the sledge as much as possible and all went well for a
few minutes. Then the wind slewed the sledge, the runners struck an
irregularity in the surface and the whole capsized. This happened
repeatedly, until there was nothing to do but loose the two remaining
dogs and drag the sledge ourselves. The dogs were soon lost to sight,
except Pavlova, who remained with us all the time. As the hours of
light were short in August, darkness had come before Aladdin's Cave was
reached, and it was with some relief that we saw the sledge, flag-pole
and the expectant dogs suddenly loom up in front. The sleeping-bags and
other gear were passed down into the Cave and the dogs were fed.

When the doorway was opened in the morning, August 14, a blizzard with
dense drifting snow was in full progress. As it was not possible to see
any distance, and as our quarters were very comfortable, we decided to
wait for another day. Madigan and Ninnis went out and fed the dogs, who
were all snugly curled up in beds of snow.

The weather was no better on the 15th, but, as we were only five and a
half miles from the Hut, which was more comfortable and where there was
much work to be done, it seemed a shame to remain cooped up in idleness.
Madigan and Ninnis were both strongly in favour of making a dash f