The three divisions following Bartlett had instructions to go to Cape Columbia with their loads; then return to Cape Colan, where there was a cache, and take full loads from there to Cape Columbia.

Goodsell's division started on Tuesday, on Wednesday it was stormy, and MacMillan and Henson got away on Thursday.
They were all to meet me at Cape Columbia on the last day of February.
Marvin and his party had come in from Cape Bryant about six o'clock on Wednesday night.

They were all well.

Borup's division left the ship on Friday, Marvin's division got away on Sunday, the 21st, and I was left alone on the ship for one day.
That last day was one of perfect quiet and rest, free from interruption.
The morning I devoted to going over carefully the details of the work already done, to see that no slenderest necessary thread had been overlooked, and to considering again, point by point, the details of the coming journey.
[Illustration: CRANE CITY, CAPE COLUMBIA, AT THE TIME OF DEPARTURE March 1st, 1909] When I had satisfied myself (as I had not been able to do during the bustle and constant interruptions of the last two weeks) that everything was in its place and every possible contingency provided for, I had a few hours in which to look the situation squarely in the face, and to think of those other times, when, as now, I was on the eve of departure into the void and unknown North.
When at last I turned in for a few hours' sleep before the morning start, it was with the consciousness that so far as my knowledge and ability went, everything had been done, and that every member of the party, as well as myself, would put into his efforts all there was in him of will and sinew and vitality.

This being settled, the outcome rested with the elements--the vagaries of the arctic pack, and the quality and amount of our own physical and mental stamina.
[Illustration: FACE OF THE LAND ICE, "GLACIAL FRINGE," OFF CAPE COLUMBIA] This was my final chance to realize the one dream of my life.