My men were all three unwell, and had been so for some days prior to this, and Mr.Browne's sufferings were such that I hesitated subjecting him to exertions greater than those he was necessarily obliged to submit to, and by which I felt assured he would ultimately be overcome.

The treacherous character of the disease by which he had been attacked was well understood.

I had no hope of any improvement in his condition until such time as he could procure change of food.

So far from this I dreaded every day that he might be laid prostrate as Mr.Poole had been, that I should have to carry him about in a state of helplessness, and that he would ultimately sink as his unfortunate companion had done.

Had other considerations, therefore, not influenced me, I could not make up my mind to persevere, and see my only remaining companion perish at my side, and that, too, under the most trying, I had almost said the most appalling circumstances, for no one who has not seen the scurvy in its worst character can form an idea of it.