mile and a half in record time.

"We were all anxious, of course, for news, and the first we received was
the sad account of the deaths of Ninnis and Mertz; then of the wonderful
march made by Dr. Mawson.

"Before closing, I should like to pay a tribute to the good-fellowship,
unfailing industry, enthusiasm and unswerving loyalty which
characterized my comrades. During the whole of the Expedition, whether
carrying out monotonous routine work at the Base or under the trying
conditions of sledging, all duties were performed with never-failing
good temper and perseverance.

"Should it ever be my lot to venture on a like expedition I hope to have
some, if not all, of the same party with me. But whether we meet again
or not, I shall always think of every man of them with the greatest
affection and respect."

CHAPTER XXIII A SECOND WINTER

During the first busy year in Adelie Land, when the Hut was full of
life and work, there were few moments for reflection. Yet, over the
speculative pipe at home after a successful day's labour on the wireless
masts, or out on the turbulent plateau when the hour of hoosh brought
the strenuous day to a close, more than one man was heard to say, "One
year in this country is enough for me." Still, in the early days, no one
could predict what would happen, and therefore a change in the perverse
climate was always considered probable. So great was the emulation, and
so keen were all to extend our geographical boundaries, that the year
sped away almost before the meagre opportunity came. With the cheery
support of numbers, we did not find it a difficult matter "to drive dull
care away."

Now there were only seven of us; we knew what was ahead; the weather had
already given ample proof of the early approach of winter; the field of
work which once stretched to the west, east and south had no longer the
mystery of the "unknown"; the Ship had gone and there was scant hope of
relief in March.

Against all this. There remained the Hut--a proven shelter from the
wind; and, most vital of all, there was abundant food for another year.
Every avenue of scientific work was not yet closed. Even the routine of
meteorological and magnetic work was adding in no slight degree to
the sum of human knowledge. Our short mile of rocks still held some
geological secrets, and there were biological discoveries yet to make. A
wireless telegraphic station had at last been established, and we could
confidently