And on the 22nd we had a splendid day, and came across the tracks of men with dogs, which assured us that the depot had been laid all right. Soon afterwards we passed their noon camp, and as tins were lying round which had different brands from those of the original stores, we were certain also that the ship had returned.
After carefully searching the ground for unconsidered trifles, we found three small bits of chocolate and a tiny bit of biscuit, and we "turned backs" for them. I was unlucky enough to get the biscuit, and a curious and unreasoning anger took possession of me for a moment at my bad luck. Nothing could show more strikingly how primitive we had become, and how much the question of even a morsel of food affected our judgment.
However, we were near to the Bluff, but though we felt certain that food was going to be there in plenty, we also were occasionally beset by the thought that if by some chance it was not, then all chance of our safety was at an end.
CHAPTER XXX
THE FINAL STAGE
Early on the morning of the 23rd we broke camp, and in a few hours Wild saw the Bluff depot miraged up. It seemed to be quite close, and the flags were waving and dancing, as though to say, "Come, here I am; come and feed!"
It was indeed a cheerful sight for weary and hungry men, and directly we saw it we devoured the few biscuits we still possessed.
At 4 P.M. we reached this haven, and found that Joyce and his party had done their work splendidly; and I, climbing to the top of it, told those below of the glorious feeds awaiting us. Luxuries there were in plenty: Carlsbad plums, cakes, eggs, plum puddings, and even fresh boiled mutton from the ship. Apart, however, from these luxuries there was an ample supply of ordinary sledging rations, so that we were safe from a want of food, and had only to get back to the ship.
With what thankfulness we set upon our provisions those who have not suffered from want and hunger cannot imagine. Suddenly we found ourselves with meals fit for the gods, and with appetites that the gods might have envied. Our contracted bodies, however, would not stand the strain of much food, but I cannot express the relief it was to know that we had only to stretch our hands to touch food, even if we could not eat it. I lay writing in my bag that night with biscuits and chocolate and jam beside me. I dare say this reminds the reader of a greedy schoolboy; but it is true, and I see no reason to think that it was anything but perfectly natural.
At the Bluff we did not receive much news of the Nimrod, except that Evans, who had towed us down in the Koonya, was now in command of it; and we heard nothing of either the northern or the western party.
Now our main object was to get back to the ship before she was compelled to sail, and full of hope we proceeded on our way during the 24th.