That was a memorable meal.

When we had eaten our fill, we dried our tobacco in the embers of the fire and smoked contentedly.

We made an attempt to dry our clothes, which were soaked with salt water, but did not meet with much success.

We could not afford to have a fire except for cooking purposes until blubber or driftwood had come our way.
The final stage of the journey had still to be attempted.

I realized that the condition of the party generally, and particularly of McNeish and Vincent, would prevent us putting to sea again except under pressure of dire necessity.