stefansson-wrangel-09-30-008-001

insert galley 102

With the departure of Crawford, Galle and Maurer we enter upon
the brave history of Knight's struggle with illness and misfortune. The
diary shows that at first he did not doubt securing enough fresh meat to stop
the scurvy and we cannot speak of courage while as yet he saw no danger; but
later he recognized the danger and faced it in a spirit which we believe the
reader will see better and appreciate more keenly if we refrain from eulogy
no matter how deserved. We go on with the simple story in Lorne Knight's
own words.

February 1st: "The gale let up during the night and I intended
going to Maurer's traps but did not feel well enough. Both of my legs are
swollen above the knees, and the left is much the worse. If it is scurvy, it
is acting differently from the previous time [when he had scurvy in 1917 as
related elsewhere], for then my legs did not swell. My gums are soft but
they cause me no inconvenience. When I exercise myself to any extent, as I
did to-day lifting a couple of logs, I become so short of breath that I have
to sit down or else fall down. This also is different from the previous
attack. I am not in the least worried but I would like to know what is the
trouble. I have lost my hearty appetite that I had some time ago, although
I still am able to 'peck' a little. I am sure the best medicine that I
could take would be a few feeds of fresh meat. Hence my desire to go to the
traps. If only a bear would walk into camp the meat would last the two of
us, not counting the cat, a long time."

February 2nd: "Not a great deal to record. Dug out a little wood
and cut some, filled water barrel with snow, etc. I feel a little better
to-day than formerly. Although my legs are sore, I feel more like moving
about. I am afraid, however, to go to Maurer's traps and shall wait until