A few entries from my diary will best record the harrowing tale of what followed.
"Feb. 23rd. Ate the last of herring this noon. Reduced wheat ration to ½ cake for person. Sorted extra clothing (Plock's) for possible food.
Feb. 27th. Shredded-wheat supply fast diminishing. S. busy all day cleaning Plock's oomiak and leggins. Will it come to him?
March 3rd. Last of leggins for lunch. Whinney slightly ill, but eyesight improving. A good day's hauling. Crossed two open leads but saw no seal.
March 4th. A great day! Sighted seal herd two miles away, the first we have seen on the floe. Stalked them carefully, taking Frissell with me. By "playing seal," yooping and crawling, succeeded in getting into the very center of herd where we killed two with atomizers. A great saving of ammunition. Seal gorge tonight.
March 5th. All hands ill.
March 6th. Same.
March 12th. Finished last of seal. Plock's oomiak tomorrow.
March 14th. No food whatsoever. Very weak.
March 15th. Same. Weaker.