Then I discussed with Wild and Worsley the
chances of reaching South Georgia before the winter locked the seas
against us. Some effort had to be made to secure relief. Privation
and exposure had left their mark on the party, and the health and
mental condition of several men were causing me serious anxiety.
Blackborrow's feet, which had been frost-bitten during the boat
journey, were in a bad way, and the two doctors feared that an
operation would be necessary. They told me that the toes would have to
be amputated unless animation could be restored within a short period.
Then the food-supply was a vital consideration. We had left ten cases
of provisions in the crevice of the rocks at our first camping-place on
the island. An examination of our stores showed that we had full
rations for the whole party for a period of five weeks. The rations
could be spread over three months on a reduced allowance and probably
would be supplemented by seals and sea-elephants to some extent. I did
not dare to count with full confidence on supplies of meat and blubber,
for the animals seemed to have deserted the beach and the winter was
near. Our stocks included three seals and two and a half skins (with
blubber attached). We were mainly dependent on the blubber for fuel,
and, after making a preliminary survey of the situation, I decided that
the party must be limited to one hot meal a day.
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