Our boat, moreover, had been weakened by the cutting away of the topsides, and I doubted if we could weather the island.

We were still 150 miles away from Stromness whaling-station by sea.

The alternative was to attempt the crossing of the island.

If we could not get over, then we must try to secure enough food and fuel to keep us alive through the winter, but this possibility was scarcely thinkable.

Over on Elephant Island twenty-two men were waiting for the relief that we alone could secure for them.