So in a north-west gale we went across, narrowly escaping disaster on the way, and reached Punta Arenas on August 14.
There was no suitable ship to be obtained.

The weather was showing some signs of improvement, and I begged the Chilian Government to let me have the 'Yelcho' for a last attempt to reach the island.

She was a small steel-built steamer, quite unsuitable for work in the pack, but I promised that I would not touch the ice.

The Government was willing to give me another chance, and on August 25 I started south on the fourth attempt at relief.

This time Providence favoured us.