A large cairn, fully ten feet high, was erected on the summit of "Cairn Hill," in which was deposited a record stating briefly what had been accomplished by the expedition, and giving a list of the officers and men of both ships. To this document each of the former attached his signature. Will this ever be disturbed by our fellow-men? Strenuous exertions were made by means of powder to blow up the ice between the ship and the channel of water that almost tantalized us by its existence, and so clear a passage by which we could effect our escape. Countless torpedoes, containing from 1 to 50 lbs. of powder, were used to accomplish this object, and many hours of hard labour were expended in the same endeavour. At length, on the morning of the 31st of July, our exertions were crowned with success, and great was the excitement on board when hurried orders were issued to raise steam with all despatch and to prepare for sea! A fresh south-westerly wind had blown the pack off the shore, leaving a clear channel of water extending as far as could be seen to the southward. By 7 A.M. the ship was free and afloat, and at eight o'clock the colours were hoisted, and we succeeded, without much difficulty, in steaming clear of the prison that had for eleven long months so securely held us in its icy fetters. Who can describe the feelings experienced by all on board the "Alert" on again hearing the long-silent throbbing of the engines, and knowing that the ship was once more in motion? Yet a slight pang of regret was felt at leaving the barren, sterile coast, off which we had passed so many happy days, and we could not but feel grateful to the kind floe-bergs which had, during that time, protected us so well from "ye merciless yce." FOOTNOTE: [1] As soon as it was possible to use the lime-juice in the form in which it was supplied to the expedition (that is, in jars or bottles) all sledge parties were invariably supplied with it as a daily ration. CHAPTER XXVI. THE RETURN VOYAGE IN THE ICE. "Let our trusty band Haste to Fatherland, Let our vessel brave Plough the angry wave." THORHALL'S _Saga_. Cape Joseph Henry was lost to sight as the "Alert" rounded Cape Rawson; but very heavy ice off Cape Union for a time completely obstructed our progress. Excessive caution was necessary in handling the ship amongst these ponderous floes. Patience combined with perseverance are essential virtues inseparable to successful ice navigation, and they were constantly called into requisition in order to ensure a safe deliverance from the dangers which surrounded us.