Crean I proposed to leave on the island as a right-hand man
for Wild, but he begged so hard to be allowed to come in the boat that,
after consultation with Wild, I promised to take him. I called the men
together, explained my plan, and asked for volunteers. Many came
forward at once. Some were not fit enough for the work that would have
to be done, and others would not have been much use in the boat since
they were not seasoned sailors, though the experiences of recent months
entitled them to some consideration as seafaring men. McIlroy and
Macklin were both anxious to go but realized that their duty lay on the
island with the sick men. They suggested that I should take Blackborrow
in order that he might have shelter and warmth as quickly as possible,
but I had to veto this idea. It would be hard enough for fit men to
live in the boat. Indeed, I did not see how a sick man, lying helpless
in the bottom of the boat, could possibly survive in the heavy weather
we were sure to encounter. I finally selected McNeish, McCarthy, and
Vincent in addition to Worsley and Crean. The crew seemed a strong
one, and as I looked at the men I felt confidence increasing.
The decision made, I walked through the blizzard with Worsley and Wild
to examine the 'James Caird'. The 20-ft. boat had never looked big;
she appeared to have shrunk in some mysterious way when I viewed her in
the light of our new undertaking.
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