A curious ailment developed itself, which was named “Igloo Back,” from constant bending in the low-roofed igloo.  It was due to the stretching of the ligaments around the spine and was a painful thing for the “cave-dwellers.”

Campbell and his companions started for Cape Evans on September 30.  Progress was slow and the party weak, but thanks to their grit and to Campbell’s splendid leadership, the Northern Party all got through to the winter quarters alive.  Browning had to be carried on the sledge part of the way, but fortunately they picked up one of Griffith-Taylor’s depots, and the biscuit found here quite altered Browning’s condition.

Poor Campbell was glad to get his party out of the dirt and dark of the igloo, but they were so weak that they could only march a mile from the first day, however the sledging ration contained good foodstuff compared to what they had eaten for weeks previously; and, oh, wise precaution!  Campbell had deposited a small store of spare wind clothing and woollen underclothes against the journey over the sea to Cape Evans.  This he issued on leaving that awful “igloo,” and the luxury of getting into dry, clean clothing after the greasy rags they discarded was indescribable.  For nine months had they worn those dirty garments without change.

The second day homeward at most gave five miles, but although tired out the party were in good spirits “at leaving the dirt and squalor of the hut behind.”  They were making their way south along the coast, sledging over the “Piedmont.”  Shortly after starting, the company were faced with an enormous crevasse, but this was safely negotiated by means of a snow bridge “175 paces across.”  Pace gradually lengthened and strengthened, and on 12th October 11 miles was covered, and on camping Erebus and Mount Melbourne were both in sight.

I do not propose to write a description of this journey back, it was not so dangerous as others had been, because seals and Emperor penguins were met with along the route, and so they ran no risk of starving; but they ran a great risk of losing Browning, who caused the doctor the gravest concern.  They laboured home, however, and the leader’s diary for one Red Letter, and Two Black Letter days must be included here, for they explain themselves: 

“October 29.—­Turned out at 4.30 a.m.  A fine day, but a bank of cloud to the south and a cold westerly wind.  A two hours’ march brought us to Cape Roberts, where I saw through my glasses a bamboo stuck on the top of the cape.  Leaving the sledges, Priestley and I climbed the cape, when we found a record left by the Western Party last year before they were picked up, and giving their movements, while near by was a depot of provisions they had left behind.  We gave such a yell the others ran up the slope at once.  It seemed almost too good to be true.

   “We found two tins of biscuits, one slightly broached, and a small bag
   each of raisins, tea, cocoa, butter, and lard.