Early on 26th January we left these inhospitable coasts, and those who were on deck watched the familiar rocky, snow-capped shores fast disappearing from view.  We had been happy there before disaster overtook our Expedition, but now we were glad to leave, and some of us must have realised that these ice-girt rocks and mountains were not meant for human beings to associate their lives with.  For centuries, perhaps for all time, no other human being will set foot upon the Beardmore, and it is doubtful if ever the great inland plateau will be re-visited, except perhaps by aeroplane.

When we left it was a “good-night” scene for most of us.  The great white plateau and peaks were grimly awaiting winter, and they seemed to mock our departing exploring ship as though glad to be left in their loneland Silence.

* * * * *

Corrections made to Collins edition: 

p.47 ‘Mearse’ to ‘Meares’ p.61 ‘steamiug’ to ‘steaming’ p.84 ‘Pennel’ to ‘Pennell’ p.85 ‘when the time for her’ to ‘when the time came for her’ p.96 ‘Fedruary’ to ‘February’ p.96 ‘Saftey Camp’ to ‘Safety Camp’ p.108 ‘athelete’ to ‘athlete’ p.218 ‘Cherry-Garrad’ to ‘Cherry-Garrard’ p.247 ‘anchored ourselved’ to ‘anchored ourselves’ p.308 ‘Cornwell’ to ‘Cornwall’