Unfortunately, there were no sea-leopards in the neighbourhood of Framheim.  These, which are far quicker in their movements than the Weddell seal, and are, moreover, furnished with a formidable set of teeth, would certainly have made the four-footed seal-hunters more careful in their behaviour.

After we had brought up to the house enough seals’ carcasses to keep the ten or twelve dogs that would be left supplied for a good while, and had cut up a sufficient quantity for our own use on the way to 80deg.  S., we took the first opportunity of getting away.  Before I pass on to give an account of our trip, I wish to say a few words about my companions —­ Johansen and Stubberud.  It goes without saying that it gave me, as a beginner, a great feeling of security to have with me such a man as Johansen, who possessed many years’ experience of all that pertains to sledging expeditions; and as regards Stubberud, I could not have wished for a better travelling companion than him either —­ a first-rate fellow, steady and efficient in word and deed.  As it turned out, we were not to encounter very many difficulties, but one never escapes scot-free on a sledge journey in these regions.  I owe my comrades thanks for the way in which they both did their best to smooth our path.

Johansen and Stubberud drove their dog-teams; I myself acted as “forerunner.”  The drivers had seven dogs apiece.  We took so many, because we were not quite sure of what the animals we had were fit for.  As was right and proper, the southern party had picked out the best.  Among those at our disposal there were several that had previously shown signs of being rather quickly tired.  True, this happened under very severe conditions.  As it turned out, our dogs exceeded all our expectations in the easier conditions of work that prevailed during the summer.  On the first part of the way —­ as far as the depot in 80deg.  S. —­ the loads were quite modest.  Besides the tent, the sleeping-bags, our personal outfit, and instruments, we only had provisions for eight days-seals’ flesh for the dogs, and tinned food for ourselves.  Our real supplies were to be taken from the depot, where there was enough of everything.

On November 8 we left Framheim, where in future Lindstrom was to reside as monarch of all he surveyed.  The weather was as fine as could be wished.  I was out with the cinematograph apparatus, in order if possible to immortalize the start.  To complete the series of pictures, Lindstrom was to take the forerunner, who was now, be it said, a good way behind those he was supposed to be leading.  With all possible emphasis I enjoined Lindstrom only to give the crank five or six turns, and then started off to catch up the drivers.  When I had nearly reached the provision store I pulled up, struck by a sudden apprehension.  Yes, I was right on looking back I discovered that incorrigible person still hard at work with the crank, as though he were going to be