“On the second day we came again to the resting place of the three and bade them there a final farewell.  There alone in their greatness they will lie without change or bodily decay, with the most fitting tomb in the world above them.”

Atkinson could not have expressed himself more beautifully.  My book should end here, but there is an epilogue to it:  it is the illuminating story of Campbell and his northern party, with a short indication of what was done elsewhere by the Expedition’s men.  The homeward journey was made in sorrow and doubt, for Atkinson’s little band of brothers had to shoulder another responsibility—­the determination of Campbell’s fate.

On November 27, 1912, Gran’s diary gives as follows: 

“Great news again—­great, good news.  Campbell here and his party safe at Cape Evans.  They just missed us going out.  They lived a winter a la Eskimo, Igloo and so on, and have been quite comfortable, so they say.  Campbell is looking very well.  He is now in command, and intends to do only small trips—­Erebus and so on....”

Atkinson now handed over to Campbell, and whilst mentioning this it is just as well to call attention to the splendid services of Dr. Atkinson.  Grit and loyalty were his outstanding qualities.  He was later on specially promoted to Surgeon Commander for his work in the Expedition.

CHAPTER XVIII

ADVENTURES OF THE NORTHERN PARTY

To set forth concisely the adventurous story of Campbell’s Northern Party in a single chapter is no light task.  Raymond Priestley has written it in book form already, just as Griffith-Taylor has published his particular narrative of the Western Journey in “The Silver Lining.”  Both books are of absorbing interest to those who are fond of Polar literature.

I have, I hope, made clear the reason of Campbell’s landing at Cape Adare.  Mr. Borchgrevink in his “Southern Cross” Antarctic Expedition used this position as his winter quarters, and found, just as Campbell did, that it was not a suitable part of the Antarctic continent for making extensive sledge journeys from.  Still, King Edward’s Land was denied him.  Amundsen was established before him in the Bay of Whales, and in spite of diligent search the Cape Adare choice was the only one left to Victor Campbell and his five companions.  Scott’s instructions have already been reproduced in this volume:  he mentioned Robertson Bay, and Cape Adare is at the N.E. extreme of the Promontory bounding the Bay to the Eastward.

Campbell was by no means satisfied with his landing place, but coal was short in the “Terra Nova” and the season drawing in.  He had vainly searched for a more profitable wintering place, and it was not until February 17 that he got his chance of landing here even.