Wild, who stayed in charge of the two invalids, was in fairly good condition.

Joyce, Richards, and Hayward, who had undertaken the relief journey, were all showing symptoms of scurvy, though in varying degrees.

Their legs were weak, their gums swollen.

The decision that the invalids, with Wild, should stay in camp from February 24, while Joyce's party pushed forward to Bluff depot, was justified fully by the circumstances.
Joyce, Richards, and Hayward had difficulty in reaching the depot with a nearly empty sledge.

An attempt to make their journey with two helpless men might have involved the loss of the whole party.
"February 24, Thursday .-- Up at 4:30; had one cup of tea, half biscuit; under way after 7.