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14
1861 + [[Sunday]] Mar 17

one of us had not thought to bring along a Snow-knife.  With this simple instrument in hand, I would have taken the responsibility of inducing some one to continue on with me.  With this, we could have erected an Igloo for the night - or for any time we should be overtaken by a Gale or Storm.  Fifteen (15) minutes after two (2) P.M. I left my companions who had stopped to return & followed on [[underlined]] alone. [[/underlined]]  I knew God would be with me in my work.  I had not proceeded far before I was overtaken by William Johnston who said:-  'I have resolved that I would accompany you rather than return now.  I do not feel that I have more than strength enough left than would enable me to return to the vessel but I may feel better soon.  John was my ship mate & I loved him.  I shall ever regret perhaps if I return now.'

As we passed on together, we were soon encouraged by finding the tracks bending away from the direction of Davis Straits - our feelings were soon increased to almost that of joy for we found the main course of the tracks now led West - as if John had seen the mountains westward & to them he would make his way & then follow them up to the point where he left the land.  But how soon was this cup dashed from our hopeful lips!  The steps of the "lost", circle around to the S.E. then E. carrying us back again.  Now they come around Westward again.  For 15 minutes, a [[underlined]] true [[/underlined]] course W. is followed.  Hope lifted us up - & quickened our steps.  At last they turned 

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1861 + [[Sunday]] Mar 17

circling to the South thence around all the points of the Compass, crossing for the 1st time his own tracks!

This occured one hour after parting company with our Co. of searchers.  Having followed his foot steps around this circle of 20 rods radius in less than three minutes another circle occurs.  He now strikes due North!  With bounding, almost happy hearts, we follow, for [[underlined]] this course [[/underlined]] leads direct to the vessel!  The channel of water leading to Bear Sound of Frobisher was only 5 miles due South of us.  This place, though of historical & geographical interest to me, was as naught in the work I was then performing.

But how oft is man doomed to disappointment!  The tracks turn again to a circle.  Now they come in rapid succession.  [[underlined]] Round & round [[/underlined]] the bewildered, terror stricken, almost frozen one makes his way.  Five circles, one interlocking another does the lost man make, then strikes out & continues two more.  [[underlined]] In all 12 circles within less than two miles did John make. [[/underlined]]

During our protracted search, I & my companion often threw ourselves flat upon the hard snow that covered the sea ice.  This gave us rest.  At one of these resting places I fell instantly into a sound sleep.  Had I been alone, I know not what would have been the result.  But Johnston roused me after considerable exertion & we passed on.  Every now & then we came to places where the "lost" had seated himself to rest.  In all we found 8 places.  Just before the company of 5 parted we came to a spot where John had made a hole down into the snow evidently with object to get some of the most