I was unfortunate as regarded footgear, since I had given away my heavy Burberry boots on the floe, and had now a comparatively light pair in poor condition.

The carpenter assisted me by putting several screws in the sole of each boot with the object of providing a grip on the ice.

The screws came out of the 'James Caird'.
We turned in early that night, but sleep did not come to me.

My mind was busy with the task of the following day.

The weather was clear and the outlook for an early start in the morning was good.