The verses that Gardiner wrote in his diary during this frightful period are inexpressibly touching in the wondrous strength of their faith and cheerfulness.
"Let that sweet word our spirits cheer Which quelled the tossed disciples' fear: 'Be not afraid!' He who could bid the tempest cease Can keep our souls in perfect peace, If on Him stayed.
And we shall own 'twas good to wait: No blessing ever came too late." This was written on the 4th of June; on the 8th their fishing-net was torn to pieces by blocks of drifting ice.

On the 28th Badcock died, begging his comrades to sing a hymn to him in his last moments.

In August, Gardiner, hitherto the healthiest, was obliged to take to his bed in the _Pioneer_, and there heard of the death of Erwin on the 23rd of August, and of Bryant on the 27th.

Maidment buried them both, and came back to Captain Gardiner, who, as he lay in bed, had continued his journal, and written his farewell letters to his wife and children.
Hitherto, the stores of food had been eked out by mussels and wild celery, but there was now no one to search for them.

Gardiner, wishing to save Maidment the journeys to and fro, determined to try to reach the _Speedwell_, and Maidment cut two forked sticks to serve as crutches, but the Captain found himself too weak for the walk, and had to return.