Packed and Ready

When the great explorer Shackleton was on his quest for the South Pole, he was at one time driven back and was compelled to leave some of his men on Elephant Island, though he promised that he would return for them. When he endeavored to get back, he found a sea of ice between him and the island.

But he must keep his word! He tried to reach them, but failed.

He tried again and again without success. Beyond the ice were his companions, who had every confidence in him. They had only scant supplies with them. At that time of year, it seemed folly to hope for any favorable change in the weather.

He was told that there was absolutely no hope of getting his little boat, the “Yalcho,” through the great ice barrier to Elephant Island. He could not be inactive. He must reach his men. So at the risk of losing his boat and his crew he pushed nearer to the island; unexpectedly, there came an opening in the ice.

He hurried in, rescued the waiting men, and in an hour was back again with all on board. Had they been delayed only a few minutes the crushing ice could have destroyed the frail vessel as it closed around it. When they were sure they were beyond danger, and the nervous tension had passed, Shackleton said to one of the rescued men, “Well, you were packed and ready, weren’t you?

“Yes,” came the reply, “we never lost hope. We believed you would come for us, even though circumstances were unfavorable. You had promised, and we expected you. So each morning we rolled up our sleeping bags and packed all our equipment that we might be ready.”