They told me that the toes would have to be amputated unless animation could be restored within a short period.
Then the food-supply was a vital consideration.

We had left ten cases of provisions in the crevice of the rocks at our first camping-place on the island.

An examination of our stores showed that we had full rations for the whole party for a period of five weeks.

The rations could be spread over three months on a reduced allowance and probably would be supplemented by seals and sea-elephants to some extent.

I did not dare to count with full confidence on supplies of meat and blubber, for the animals seemed to have deserted the beach and the winter was near.