his time we were greatly excited to see rocks outcropping near the
water-line, and an investigation of them was resolved upon for the
following day.

The morning broke overcast and ghostly white. Although only ten yards
away from it, we could not see the huge crevasse in our vicinity. Thus
our expedition to the rocks had to be abandoned.

After a week's travelling, during which obscured skies and intermittent
drift were the rule, we were once more in the neighbourhood of Madigan's
spring depot, forty-five miles west of Aladdin's Cave. It had been
passed without our seeing any signs of it on the outward journey, and,
as we never relied on finding it, we did not mind about missing it
again.

Thick drift and a fifty-mile wind on January 12 kept us confined for
thirty-six hours. It was clear enough after noon on the 13th, and five
miles were covered in four hours through thick surface drift. What the
course was we did not care as we steered by the sastrugi. If ever a
man had any "homing instinct" it would surely show itself on such an
occasion as this.

Travelling in driving snow used to have a curious effect on me. I always
imagined that we were just coming to an avenue of trees running at right
angles to our course. What produced this idea I have not the slightest
suspicion, but while it lasted, the impression was very strong.

To avoid the drift, which was thickest by day, travelling had for some
time been conducted at night. On the evening of the 14th, during a clear
spell, a ridge rose up behind, and, in front, a wide bay was visible
with its far eastern point rising in mirage. This was taken to be
Commonwealth Bay, but the fact could not be verified as the drift came
on thickly once more. The day's march was twelve miles by concerted
reckoning.

Next day we went three miles to the north to see if any recognizable
bergs would come in sight, but were stopped by crevasses. The eastward
course was therefore resumed.

After continuing for about a mile Hodgeman told us to stop, flung
down his harness and dashed back to the sledge, rummaging in the
instrument-box till he found the glasses. "Yes, it's the aeroplane," he
said.

This remark took us by surprise as we had not expected it for eight
miles at least. It was about midnight--the time when mirage was at a
maximum. Consequently, all agreed that the machine was about twelve
miles away, and we went on our way rejoicing, steering towards the
Cathedral Grotto whic