Hopes were running high as to the noon observation for position.

The optimists thought that we had done sixty miles towards our goal, and the most cautious guess gave us at least thirty miles.

The bright sunshine and the brilliant scene around us may have influenced our anticipations.

As noon approached I saw Worsley, as navigating officer, balancing himself on the gunwale of the 'Dudley Docker' with his arm around the mast, ready to snap the sun.
He got his observation and we waited eagerly while he worked out the sight.

Then the 'Dudley Docker' ranged up alongside the 'James Caird' and I jumped into Worsley's boat in order to see the result.