After the tents had been pitched I mustered all hands and explained the position to them briefly and, I hope, clearly.

I have told them the distance to the Barrier and the distance to Paulet Island, and have stated that I propose to try to march with equipment across the ice in the direction of Paulet Island.
I thanked the men for the steadiness and good morale they have shown in these trying circumstances, and told them I had no doubt that, provided they continued to work their utmost and to trust me, we will all reach safety in the end.

Then we had supper, which the cook had prepared at the big blubber-stove, and after a watch had been set all hands except the watch turned in." For myself, I could not sleep.

The destruction and abandonment of the ship was no sudden shock.

The disaster had been looming ahead for many months, and I had studied my plans for all contingencies a hundred times.