1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:16,000 And now, tonight's presentation of Radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 2 00:00:16,000 --> 00:00:25,440 Tonight, we bring you the true story of five polar explorers and their race against death. 3 00:00:25,440 --> 00:00:27,920 We call it the Diary of Captain Scott. 4 00:00:27,920 --> 00:00:43,600 So now, starring Ben Wright, here is tonight's Suspense play, The Diary of Captain Scott. 5 00:00:43,600 --> 00:00:47,480 Wednesday, January the 18th, 1912. 6 00:00:47,480 --> 00:00:49,440 Camp 69. 7 00:00:49,440 --> 00:00:51,560 Temperature minus 22 degrees. 8 00:00:51,560 --> 00:00:52,560 A.M. 9 00:00:52,560 --> 00:00:54,960 The South Pole. 10 00:00:54,960 --> 00:01:00,200 We have arrived, yes, but under very different circumstances from those expected. 11 00:01:00,200 --> 00:01:02,400 We have had a horrible day. 12 00:01:02,400 --> 00:01:06,400 Elation ran high all morning since we were nearing our goal and thought to be the first 13 00:01:06,400 --> 00:01:08,960 five men to reach the pole. 14 00:01:08,960 --> 00:01:14,760 But our hopes were dashed when Evan sighted a flag and a tent near the spot. 15 00:01:14,760 --> 00:01:18,920 The Norwegians have forestalled us and are first to get here. 16 00:01:18,920 --> 00:01:23,280 In the empty tent, under the name of their leader, Roald Amundsen, were listed the five 17 00:01:23,280 --> 00:01:25,520 men who are with him. 18 00:01:25,520 --> 00:01:29,440 It's a terrible disappointment and I am very sorry for my loyal companions. 19 00:01:29,440 --> 00:01:31,840 Ah, there's no doubt of it now. 20 00:01:31,840 --> 00:01:34,160 They did find an easier way up over the barrier. 21 00:01:34,160 --> 00:01:35,920 We thought as much back at Cape Armitage. 22 00:01:35,920 --> 00:01:38,240 Well, it's a rotten shame, men, and I'm sorry. 23 00:01:38,240 --> 00:01:40,800 Good Lord, Captain Scott, you've done everything you could. 24 00:01:40,800 --> 00:01:42,560 Well, there's more to do. 25 00:01:42,560 --> 00:01:43,560 More for all of us. 26 00:01:43,560 --> 00:01:46,120 Eight hundred miles, as a matter of fact. 27 00:01:46,120 --> 00:01:48,040 Are you ready to start back, Evans? 28 00:01:48,040 --> 00:01:51,640 I can't think of a reason to stay in this miserable place. 29 00:01:51,640 --> 00:01:53,240 Is the sledge ready, Oaks? 30 00:01:53,240 --> 00:01:54,840 It's a bit frozen in, I suppose. 31 00:01:54,840 --> 00:01:55,840 Yes, I imagine. 32 00:01:55,840 --> 00:01:57,120 Wilson, do you vote to start? 33 00:01:57,120 --> 00:01:59,120 The faster, the better, Captain. 34 00:01:59,120 --> 00:02:01,640 Well, Bowers, can you get a sight and start us off on course? 35 00:02:01,640 --> 00:02:04,320 Well, the sky's a bit overcast, but I think so. 36 00:02:04,320 --> 00:02:06,480 Yes, I think I can. 37 00:02:06,480 --> 00:02:08,040 We'll go then as quickly as we can. 38 00:02:08,040 --> 00:02:20,960 A minute saved here will mean a minute more of comfort aboard the ship. 39 00:02:20,960 --> 00:02:25,720 January the 18th, temperature minus 20 p.m. 40 00:02:25,720 --> 00:02:29,080 The moment of departure is here. 41 00:02:29,080 --> 00:02:33,880 It is impossible to collect our thoughts, since few of them are voiced. 42 00:02:33,880 --> 00:02:36,420 But I know that the same are with all of us. 43 00:02:36,420 --> 00:02:41,720 Can we pull the heavy sledge that great distance, eight hundred miles over trackless, windswept 44 00:02:41,720 --> 00:02:43,880 barrier and drift? 45 00:02:43,880 --> 00:02:47,640 Can we find the carefully arranged supply camps we left on our trail? 46 00:02:47,640 --> 00:02:51,480 Can we trust our navigation instruments? 47 00:02:51,480 --> 00:03:01,920 Can we survive? 48 00:03:01,920 --> 00:03:04,880 January the 20th, night camp. 49 00:03:04,880 --> 00:03:08,800 Temperature minus 25.6. 50 00:03:08,800 --> 00:03:13,400 Came along well this afternoon for three hours, then arrived at dreary finish for the last 51 00:03:13,400 --> 00:03:15,400 hour and a half. 52 00:03:15,400 --> 00:03:21,920 Another very curious snow clouds looking very dense and spoiling the light pass overhead 53 00:03:21,920 --> 00:03:28,000 from the south, dropping very minute crystals which absolutely spoil the surface. 54 00:03:28,000 --> 00:03:32,840 We had extremely heavy dragging and were forced to stop when Wilson suddenly discovered that 55 00:03:32,840 --> 00:03:34,800 Evans' nose was frostbitten. 56 00:03:34,800 --> 00:03:38,920 There's no doubt that Evans is a good deal running down. 57 00:03:38,920 --> 00:03:41,040 His face and hands are badly blistered. 58 00:03:41,040 --> 00:03:42,040 Oaks too. 59 00:03:42,040 --> 00:03:46,560 Now Bowers comes into the tent to report his last sighting. 60 00:03:46,560 --> 00:03:49,360 I can't get an accurate one with this sky. 61 00:03:49,360 --> 00:03:50,360 I don't like it. 62 00:03:50,360 --> 00:03:51,360 I don't like it either. 63 00:03:51,360 --> 00:03:52,360 What do you think it means? 64 00:03:52,360 --> 00:03:53,360 The weather's breaking out. 65 00:03:53,360 --> 00:03:54,920 I don't know, Oaks. 66 00:03:54,920 --> 00:03:56,480 How accurate was your sight, Bowers? 67 00:03:56,480 --> 00:03:57,960 I can't be sure. 68 00:03:57,960 --> 00:04:01,080 I should say that if we aren't on our line of march that we're very close. 69 00:04:01,080 --> 00:04:03,120 A few points could be quite important. 70 00:04:03,120 --> 00:04:06,200 I know, but our next camp is no more than seven miles. 71 00:04:06,200 --> 00:04:09,240 Well, that simply means that we're seven miles off schedule. 72 00:04:09,240 --> 00:04:10,600 I'd plan to be there tonight. 73 00:04:10,600 --> 00:04:12,400 I can go on, Captain. 74 00:04:12,400 --> 00:04:13,880 I feel better now. 75 00:04:13,880 --> 00:04:15,040 No, Evans, no. 76 00:04:15,040 --> 00:04:26,720 We'll stay the night and get up early in the morning, but we must have fewer delays. 77 00:04:26,720 --> 00:04:31,760 January the 21st, temperature minus 38.4. 78 00:04:31,760 --> 00:04:37,160 This morning while freeing the sledge from ice, Evans slashed his hand. 79 00:04:37,160 --> 00:04:41,440 I'm afraid the poor chap is in for trouble, as wounds will not close in this cold and 80 00:04:41,440 --> 00:04:46,880 we absolutely cannot spare the time to camp, as our rations are very low, as well as our 81 00:04:46,880 --> 00:04:55,160 fuel. 82 00:04:55,160 --> 00:05:01,280 January 28th, night camp, temperature minus 27. 83 00:05:01,280 --> 00:05:06,040 The miles continue to fall behind us, but with painful slowness. 84 00:05:06,040 --> 00:05:09,760 Our diet and with it our general condition has improved since finding our half degree 85 00:05:09,760 --> 00:05:10,760 supply camp. 86 00:05:10,760 --> 00:05:13,720 Only 42 miles to the next one. 87 00:05:13,720 --> 00:05:16,000 But we are not without ailments. 88 00:05:16,000 --> 00:05:18,480 Oats is suffering from a very cold foot. 89 00:05:18,480 --> 00:05:23,760 Evans' hands and face are in a horrible state, and tonight Wilson is suffering tortures 90 00:05:23,760 --> 00:05:25,080 from snow blindness. 91 00:05:25,080 --> 00:05:29,920 Bowers and I are the only ones without troubles at present. 92 00:05:29,920 --> 00:05:31,320 Wait! 93 00:05:31,320 --> 00:05:33,520 Hold on! 94 00:05:33,520 --> 00:05:38,800 I've got to rest. 95 00:05:38,800 --> 00:05:43,560 Don't try to help, Evans. 96 00:05:43,560 --> 00:05:44,920 Just hold to the sledge. 97 00:05:44,920 --> 00:05:49,480 I wasn't helping, Captain, but I've got to rest anyway. 98 00:05:49,480 --> 00:05:51,240 I get dizzy. 99 00:05:51,240 --> 00:05:52,240 Don't sit down, Evans. 100 00:05:52,240 --> 00:05:53,240 Stay up on your feet. 101 00:05:53,240 --> 00:05:54,240 Can't we put him in his sleeping bag? 102 00:05:54,240 --> 00:05:55,240 Put him on the sledge? 103 00:05:55,240 --> 00:05:56,240 No! 104 00:05:56,240 --> 00:05:57,240 I won't do that. 105 00:05:57,240 --> 00:05:58,240 We can pull him. 106 00:05:58,240 --> 00:05:59,240 I won't do it. 107 00:05:59,240 --> 00:06:00,240 If it's for the good of the rest of us, we'll do it. 108 00:06:00,240 --> 00:06:03,880 No, I'll stay here first. 109 00:06:03,880 --> 00:06:08,880 Then if it's an order. 110 00:06:08,880 --> 00:06:11,520 No, not that kind of an order. 111 00:06:11,520 --> 00:06:14,600 I won't be dragged on by the rest of you. 112 00:06:14,600 --> 00:06:19,920 Then you've got to come along seven or eight more miles, Evans, and then we'll be stopping 113 00:06:19,920 --> 00:06:22,320 for some rest and a hot meal. 114 00:06:22,320 --> 00:06:25,360 I'm not thinking of those miles. 115 00:06:25,360 --> 00:06:28,320 How many more seven miles are there? 116 00:06:28,320 --> 00:06:29,320 Let's cover these. 117 00:06:29,320 --> 00:06:30,320 How many more? 118 00:06:30,320 --> 00:06:31,320 Evans! 119 00:06:31,320 --> 00:06:37,720 I'll do the best I can. 120 00:06:37,720 --> 00:06:39,720 I'm sure of it, Evans. 121 00:06:39,720 --> 00:06:40,720 Everything will be all right. 122 00:06:40,720 --> 00:06:41,720 Yes, sir. 123 00:06:41,720 --> 00:06:42,720 All right. 124 00:06:42,720 --> 00:06:46,080 I'll have a hot food and a few more hours. 125 00:06:46,080 --> 00:06:54,080 Let's move on. 126 00:06:54,080 --> 00:07:01,520 February the 11th, temperature minus 26.2, the worst day we have had during the trip 127 00:07:01,520 --> 00:07:04,160 and greatly owing to our own fault. 128 00:07:04,160 --> 00:07:08,320 We started on a wretched surface, pulling on ski. 129 00:07:08,320 --> 00:07:09,320 Light was horrible. 130 00:07:09,320 --> 00:07:13,160 Dulled by fog, it made everything look fantastic. 131 00:07:13,160 --> 00:07:18,920 As we went on, the light grew worse, and we found ourselves in pressure. 132 00:07:18,920 --> 00:07:22,200 Then came the fatal decision to steer east. 133 00:07:22,200 --> 00:07:29,160 The disturbance grew worse, and my spirits received a very rude shock. 134 00:07:29,160 --> 00:07:35,640 The farther we plunged ahead, the less possible it seemed that we could find a way out. 135 00:07:35,640 --> 00:07:40,240 We struggled until 9 p.m. and could do nothing more but make camp. 136 00:07:40,240 --> 00:07:51,400 There is no getting away from the fact that we are not pulling strong. 137 00:07:51,400 --> 00:07:52,400 Are those your eyes, Wilson? 138 00:07:52,400 --> 00:07:53,400 How are they? 139 00:07:53,400 --> 00:07:54,400 Better? 140 00:07:54,400 --> 00:07:55,400 I think. 141 00:07:55,400 --> 00:07:56,400 All right, let me see. 142 00:07:56,400 --> 00:07:57,400 Yes, I think they are. 143 00:07:57,400 --> 00:07:58,400 Or Evans? 144 00:07:58,400 --> 00:07:59,400 Evans? 145 00:07:59,400 --> 00:08:00,400 Yes. 146 00:08:00,400 --> 00:08:01,400 What do you say? 147 00:08:01,400 --> 00:08:02,400 Was I saying something? 148 00:08:02,400 --> 00:08:03,400 I didn't think I was. 149 00:08:03,400 --> 00:08:08,400 I thought I was asleep. 150 00:08:08,400 --> 00:08:20,960 And perhaps you were. 151 00:08:20,960 --> 00:08:22,640 You know what you were saying, Evans? 152 00:08:22,640 --> 00:08:26,760 You were naming the schools that donated sledges for the expedition. 153 00:08:26,760 --> 00:08:31,600 Oh, I thought I was asleep. 154 00:08:31,600 --> 00:08:34,800 I must have been dreaming about home. 155 00:08:34,800 --> 00:08:37,680 I like it better there than I do here. 156 00:08:37,680 --> 00:08:41,040 I mean, I like dreaming about it. 157 00:08:41,040 --> 00:08:43,280 I like it asleep. 158 00:08:43,280 --> 00:08:45,400 You get as much rest as you can, Evans. 159 00:08:45,400 --> 00:08:47,360 We want an early start. 160 00:08:47,360 --> 00:08:50,800 You were at house of foot. 161 00:08:50,800 --> 00:08:51,800 It's better, Captain. 162 00:08:51,800 --> 00:08:54,440 It bothers a bit in the morning, but then it gets better. 163 00:08:54,440 --> 00:08:55,440 Good. 164 00:08:55,440 --> 00:08:57,800 How do you make it so well, Captain? 165 00:08:57,800 --> 00:09:01,120 Because I know that everything is going to be all right. 166 00:09:01,120 --> 00:09:02,760 Just cheering us up, do you really think so? 167 00:09:02,760 --> 00:09:04,960 Oh, of course I think so. 168 00:09:04,960 --> 00:09:08,280 You know as well as I what splendid planning we've had. 169 00:09:08,280 --> 00:09:09,760 Everything's going precisely as it should. 170 00:09:09,760 --> 00:09:13,760 And the line of supply camps right back to the ship. 171 00:09:13,760 --> 00:09:24,240 All we've got to do is to follow it. 172 00:09:24,240 --> 00:09:25,240 February the 17th. 173 00:09:25,240 --> 00:09:30,840 A very terrible day, although we got out of the turmoil. 174 00:09:30,840 --> 00:09:34,960 Evans looked a little better after a good sleep and declared that he was all right. 175 00:09:34,960 --> 00:09:39,960 He started in his place on the traces, but half an hour later he had to leave the sledge 176 00:09:39,960 --> 00:09:40,960 and follow behind. 177 00:09:40,960 --> 00:09:46,080 At the first rest stop he came up very slowly. 178 00:09:46,080 --> 00:09:50,680 He stayed with us for a while and then dropped out again. 179 00:09:50,680 --> 00:09:53,280 We tried to pull him onto the sledge, but hadn't the strength. 180 00:09:53,280 --> 00:09:57,480 And so he had to walk again and again fell behind. 181 00:09:57,480 --> 00:10:02,120 At lunch camp we saw him coming far astern. 182 00:10:02,120 --> 00:10:05,120 And when we looked again, he had fallen. 183 00:10:05,120 --> 00:10:06,120 Evans? 184 00:10:06,120 --> 00:10:07,120 Evans? 185 00:10:07,120 --> 00:10:08,120 Is he alive? 186 00:10:08,120 --> 00:10:09,120 Wait. 187 00:10:09,120 --> 00:10:10,120 Huh? 188 00:10:10,120 --> 00:10:11,120 Yes. 189 00:10:11,120 --> 00:10:15,160 Get him up on his feet and get him moving. 190 00:10:15,160 --> 00:10:16,160 Come on, Evans. 191 00:10:16,160 --> 00:10:17,160 Evans? 192 00:10:17,160 --> 00:10:18,160 Evans! 193 00:10:18,160 --> 00:10:19,160 Let me go. 194 00:10:19,160 --> 00:10:20,160 Walk. 195 00:10:20,160 --> 00:10:21,160 Walk, man. 196 00:10:21,160 --> 00:10:22,160 Walk, Evans. 197 00:10:22,160 --> 00:10:23,160 I don't want to. 198 00:10:23,160 --> 00:10:24,160 Go on. 199 00:10:24,160 --> 00:10:31,160 Get the others bowers and bring the sledge. 200 00:10:31,160 --> 00:10:32,160 Right. 201 00:10:32,160 --> 00:10:33,160 Evans. 202 00:10:33,160 --> 00:10:35,160 Evans, will you listen to me? 203 00:10:35,160 --> 00:10:36,160 You can't lie there. 204 00:10:36,160 --> 00:10:37,160 You've got to move. 205 00:10:37,160 --> 00:10:38,160 Evans, come on. 206 00:10:38,160 --> 00:10:41,160 Get up. 207 00:10:41,160 --> 00:10:43,160 You have to do it. 208 00:10:43,160 --> 00:10:46,160 I can't lift you. 209 00:10:46,160 --> 00:10:49,160 Over there. 210 00:10:49,160 --> 00:10:54,160 Over there, my king. 211 00:10:54,160 --> 00:10:57,160 Over there. 212 00:10:57,160 --> 00:11:00,160 And we got him into the tent. 213 00:11:00,160 --> 00:11:03,160 He was quite comatose. 214 00:11:03,160 --> 00:11:06,160 And he died quietly at 12.30 p.m. 215 00:11:06,160 --> 00:11:13,160 It is a terrible thing to lose a companion that way. 216 00:11:13,160 --> 00:11:18,160 His passing is a frightfully personal thing to each of us. 217 00:11:18,160 --> 00:11:23,160 As is usual, our doubts and fears are not voiced. 218 00:11:23,160 --> 00:11:27,160 But I don't think that one of us does not wonder 219 00:11:27,160 --> 00:11:40,160 how many of the remaining four can survive. 220 00:11:40,160 --> 00:11:42,160 February 22nd, night camp. 221 00:11:42,160 --> 00:11:45,160 Temperature minus 22.9. 222 00:11:45,160 --> 00:11:49,160 There is little doubt that we're in for a rotten, critical time going home. 223 00:11:49,160 --> 00:11:52,160 And the lateness of the season may make it really serious. 224 00:11:52,160 --> 00:11:57,160 We never won a march of 8.5 miles with greater difficulty than we did today. 225 00:11:57,160 --> 00:11:59,160 We have come now a bit more than half the distance, 226 00:11:59,160 --> 00:12:04,160 which leaves almost 400 distressing miles of dragging still before us. 227 00:12:04,160 --> 00:12:07,160 On the bright side, we found another supply camp 228 00:12:07,160 --> 00:12:09,160 and have 10 full days of provisions 229 00:12:09,160 --> 00:12:19,160 and have less than 70 miles to the next camp. 230 00:12:19,160 --> 00:12:24,160 February 25th, night camp. Temperature minus 23.2. 231 00:12:24,160 --> 00:12:26,160 A little despondent again. 232 00:12:26,160 --> 00:12:28,160 A really terrible service. 233 00:12:28,160 --> 00:12:33,160 It surely will be a bad business if we are to have this pulling all the way through. 234 00:12:33,160 --> 00:12:37,160 I don't know what to think, but the closing of the season is ominous. 235 00:12:37,160 --> 00:12:41,160 Oates' foot is almost completely gone and he is helpless. 236 00:12:41,160 --> 00:12:45,160 It leaves the pulling up to Wilson, almost totally blind now. 237 00:12:45,160 --> 00:12:49,160 I, Bowers and myself, and we do not do well at all. 238 00:12:49,160 --> 00:12:52,160 The truth is that there is not enough energy in our rations. 239 00:12:52,160 --> 00:12:57,160 Without tremendous intakes of energy in this cold, the physical system suffers. 240 00:12:57,160 --> 00:13:00,160 The mental system too. 241 00:13:00,160 --> 00:13:04,160 There is little communication between us in the tent at night now. 242 00:13:04,160 --> 00:13:11,160 Bob? Bob? Oh Bob? Oh Bob? 243 00:13:11,160 --> 00:13:12,160 Yes? 244 00:13:12,160 --> 00:13:13,160 What is it, Scrut? 245 00:13:13,160 --> 00:13:18,160 What? I... I thought I heard something. I thought you said something, didn't you? 246 00:13:18,160 --> 00:13:19,160 No. 247 00:13:19,160 --> 00:13:23,160 Bowers. I've got to talk to you, Bowers. 248 00:13:23,160 --> 00:13:24,160 Of course. 249 00:13:24,160 --> 00:13:31,160 I... Bowers, I'm terribly worried. I didn't think it was you that called. I heard my wife. 250 00:13:31,160 --> 00:13:33,160 Under these conditions, hardly... 251 00:13:33,160 --> 00:13:38,160 No, wait. Let me tell you. It started last night. I was with her, Bowers, and it wasn't a dream. 252 00:13:38,160 --> 00:13:42,160 I was lying awake looking up at the peak of the tent and suddenly I was with her. 253 00:13:42,160 --> 00:13:44,160 In our library at home. 254 00:13:44,160 --> 00:13:45,160 You must have been dreaming. 255 00:13:45,160 --> 00:13:50,160 No, I wasn't. I could feel everything, smell everything, the perfume she was wearing. 256 00:13:50,160 --> 00:13:59,160 The warmth from the fire. I was warm, Bowers. I was warm even after I came back here. No dream can accomplish that. 257 00:13:59,160 --> 00:14:07,160 Went home, I held her in my arms. We went up to see our son. It was night and he was asleep. 258 00:14:07,160 --> 00:14:13,160 Then we went back to the library and sat before the fire and it was warm. 259 00:14:13,160 --> 00:14:16,160 I'm sorry that he's asleep, Bob, but it's late. 260 00:14:16,160 --> 00:14:21,160 Why, no. There'll be time. You know what tales I'll have to tell him. 261 00:14:21,160 --> 00:14:26,160 Of courageous men serving their country. I'll make him proud to be an Englishman. 262 00:14:26,160 --> 00:14:28,160 I'm sure he will be, darling. 263 00:14:28,160 --> 00:14:35,160 Above all, we must guard him against indolence. We must make him a strenuous man, interest him in natural history. 264 00:14:35,160 --> 00:14:36,160 That's better than games. 265 00:14:36,160 --> 00:14:38,160 He'll be a good man. 266 00:14:38,160 --> 00:14:43,160 And you, Kate. Oh, if I could tell you of the millions of thoughts I've had of you. 267 00:14:43,160 --> 00:14:48,160 I was with you, I think. I worried, sir. I knew you must have been suffering. 268 00:14:48,160 --> 00:14:52,160 Well, there was some. There's bound to be when a foetus as great as ours. 269 00:14:52,160 --> 00:14:59,160 The years of planning. Eight hundred miles we marched to the pole and eight hundred back. 270 00:14:59,160 --> 00:15:04,160 But what wealth we brought to the scientists and what honor we brought to England. 271 00:15:04,160 --> 00:15:08,160 Your home, darling. And that's more important than science and honor. 272 00:15:08,160 --> 00:15:11,160 Your home and you won't ever go away again. 273 00:15:11,160 --> 00:15:17,160 No. No, I've served my term of duty, I think. I shall collect and arrange my notes. 274 00:15:17,160 --> 00:15:22,160 Perhaps I shall write a book and describe the bottom of the world and living there. 275 00:15:22,160 --> 00:15:23,160 But never go back. 276 00:15:23,160 --> 00:15:29,160 It drifts snow like finest flower flickering up under one's clothing and stinging as a sandblast. 277 00:15:29,160 --> 00:15:30,160 Never go back. 278 00:15:30,160 --> 00:15:35,160 The great cloudy columns of snow drift advancing from the south and heralding the storm. 279 00:15:35,160 --> 00:15:37,160 But never go back. 280 00:15:37,160 --> 00:15:44,160 No, I like it here. I'm warm. Warm. I'm warm. 281 00:15:44,160 --> 00:15:49,160 It was a dream, Scott. Good Lord, there's nothing to worry about. It was not a dream. 282 00:15:49,160 --> 00:15:55,160 All of your senses don't coordinate in a dream. You don't smell and touch and feel. 283 00:15:55,160 --> 00:16:03,160 Well, I... I told you. And I was the... it was the first sign of a breakdown. I wanted you to know. 284 00:16:03,160 --> 00:16:06,160 Of course it isn't. You're in splendid shape. 285 00:16:06,160 --> 00:16:10,160 Thanks, Bowers. I owe you a great deal. 286 00:16:10,160 --> 00:16:11,160 Oh, nonsense. 287 00:16:11,160 --> 00:16:16,160 At least I owe you the privilege of getting some sleep. Good night, Bowers. 288 00:16:16,160 --> 00:16:25,160 Good night. 289 00:16:25,160 --> 00:16:32,160 March the 1st. Lunch. Very cold last night. Minimum minus 41.5. 290 00:16:32,160 --> 00:16:36,160 But our fortunes have changed. At least the future looks brighter. 291 00:16:36,160 --> 00:16:40,160 Bowers' excellent navigating has kept us precisely on course. 292 00:16:40,160 --> 00:16:45,160 And on it we found an unexpected supply tent containing rations and a note addressed to me. 293 00:16:45,160 --> 00:16:50,160 The men at the Cape had taken it upon themselves to change plans for which we are very happy. 294 00:16:50,160 --> 00:16:55,160 The next camp, we expected only supplies, has been enlarged and manned. 295 00:16:55,160 --> 00:17:00,160 We are to be met there with dog sleddies. At that point, our dragging days are finished. 296 00:17:00,160 --> 00:17:12,160 And only 24 and a half miles away. 297 00:17:12,160 --> 00:17:17,160 March the 2nd. Night camp. 298 00:17:17,160 --> 00:17:21,160 All the elation of yesterday has been crushed. 299 00:17:21,160 --> 00:17:24,160 This fortune rarely comes singly. 300 00:17:24,160 --> 00:17:28,160 This day we have suffered three distinct blows. 301 00:17:28,160 --> 00:17:35,160 First, through some oversight of fuel oil supply is less than half of what we thought it was. 302 00:17:35,160 --> 00:17:39,160 Second, Titus Oates disclosed his feet. 303 00:17:39,160 --> 00:17:44,160 They show very bad indeed. They will never be saved. 304 00:17:44,160 --> 00:17:49,160 Lastly, the weather has turned on us. Blizzard conditions are extreme. 305 00:17:49,160 --> 00:17:53,160 We are in a very tight place indeed. 306 00:17:53,160 --> 00:18:06,160 But none of us is despondent. Or at least none shows it. 307 00:18:06,160 --> 00:18:14,160 March the 10th. Things steadily going downhill. Midday. Minus 43. 308 00:18:14,160 --> 00:18:20,160 Blizzard still with us. Oates unable to go on, so I camped at noon. 309 00:18:20,160 --> 00:18:27,160 I've covered only 11 miles in the eight days past. 310 00:18:27,160 --> 00:18:31,160 Captain. Yes, sir. 311 00:18:31,160 --> 00:18:36,160 It's quite difficult to say this without something heroic. 312 00:18:36,160 --> 00:18:40,160 I'm going to die and I know it. No, you aren't, Oates, and you mustn't talk like that. 313 00:18:40,160 --> 00:18:44,160 I know I am and I'm not afraid. Stop that, Oates. 314 00:18:44,160 --> 00:18:48,160 I know what I'm saying. The quicker it happens, the better. 315 00:18:48,160 --> 00:18:52,160 I'm not going to hold the rest of you back. I know how I felt about poor Evans. 316 00:18:52,160 --> 00:18:55,160 He was holding us back and I knew he was going to die. 317 00:18:55,160 --> 00:18:58,160 I was angry with him for keeping on as long as he did. Oates! 318 00:18:58,160 --> 00:19:01,160 What kind of talk is that, Oates? It's the truth and I don't care. 319 00:19:01,160 --> 00:19:05,160 When he was holding us back, I knew there was no chance for him. 320 00:19:05,160 --> 00:19:11,160 I wanted him to die. I don't know what the rest of you are thinking, but that's what I was. 321 00:19:11,160 --> 00:19:17,160 Now I'm holding you back and I won't have it. I want you to leave me. 322 00:19:17,160 --> 00:19:21,160 We'll not leave you, Oates. Please, Captain, I'm not afraid. 323 00:19:21,160 --> 00:19:27,160 I'd really like to go, sir. I'm tired and it hurts. 324 00:19:27,160 --> 00:19:30,160 I'd like to go to sleep and not wake up. 325 00:19:30,160 --> 00:19:33,160 I've no family to live like the rest of you have. 326 00:19:33,160 --> 00:19:36,160 We won't leave you, Oates. You'll know that. 327 00:19:36,160 --> 00:19:40,160 Please, Captain, what if I did get through? 328 00:19:40,160 --> 00:19:43,160 There isn't a chance. What if I did? 329 00:19:43,160 --> 00:19:48,160 I'd have my feet cut off. I'd rather die than have that done. 330 00:19:48,160 --> 00:19:53,160 Please, Captain, I'm not thinking of anybody but myself. I want it that way. 331 00:19:53,160 --> 00:19:56,160 I'll get into my sleeping bag and I'll go to sleep. 332 00:19:56,160 --> 00:19:58,160 I'm not afraid. I want to. 333 00:19:58,160 --> 00:20:03,160 We can't do that, Oates, even if we agreed with you. We couldn't leave you. 334 00:20:03,160 --> 00:20:06,160 Please, Captain. You know I'm right, sir. 335 00:20:06,160 --> 00:20:08,160 All of you know. 336 00:20:08,160 --> 00:20:11,160 Please, Captain. Please, sir. 337 00:20:18,160 --> 00:20:22,160 March 16th or 17th. 338 00:20:22,160 --> 00:20:26,160 I've lost track of dates, but I think the last is correct. 339 00:20:26,160 --> 00:20:30,160 Poor Titus Oates is gone. 340 00:20:30,160 --> 00:20:35,160 Should this journal be found, I want these facts recorded. 341 00:20:35,160 --> 00:20:38,160 This was his end. 342 00:20:38,160 --> 00:20:43,160 He woke in the morning yesterday. It was blowing a blizzard. 343 00:20:43,160 --> 00:20:48,160 He said, I'm just going outside. It shan't be long. 344 00:20:48,160 --> 00:20:53,160 He went out into the blizzard, and we have not seen him since. 345 00:21:01,160 --> 00:21:05,160 March 18th. Night camp. 346 00:21:05,160 --> 00:21:10,160 We're still about 14 miles away from the sledge camp, but ill fortune presses. 347 00:21:10,160 --> 00:21:13,160 My right foot has gone. 348 00:21:13,160 --> 00:21:17,160 Two days ago I was proud possessor of the best feet. 349 00:21:17,160 --> 00:21:19,160 Now one is gone. 350 00:21:19,160 --> 00:21:24,160 But my companions are still confident of getting through. 351 00:21:24,160 --> 00:21:27,160 I don't know. 352 00:21:27,160 --> 00:21:30,160 We have the last fill of oil in our Primus. 353 00:21:30,160 --> 00:21:34,160 This alone between us and thirst. 354 00:21:39,160 --> 00:21:41,160 March 21st. 355 00:21:41,160 --> 00:21:47,160 We got within 11 miles of dog sledge camp yesterday, but blizzard forced us to lie up. 356 00:21:47,160 --> 00:21:49,160 We cannot move against it. 357 00:21:49,160 --> 00:21:52,160 We do not dare to leave the tent. 358 00:21:52,160 --> 00:21:55,160 They would surely die if we did. 359 00:21:55,160 --> 00:21:57,160 If conditions do not... 360 00:21:57,160 --> 00:22:00,160 Bob! Bob! 361 00:22:00,160 --> 00:22:02,160 Bob! 362 00:22:02,160 --> 00:22:04,160 Here I am, Bob! 363 00:22:04,160 --> 00:22:06,160 Here I am! 364 00:22:06,160 --> 00:22:09,160 Here I am, Bob, over here. 365 00:22:09,160 --> 00:22:11,160 Oh, I didn't see you. 366 00:22:11,160 --> 00:22:14,160 It's so nice in the sun, I thought I'd sit out for a bit. 367 00:22:14,160 --> 00:22:15,160 Yes, it is nice. 368 00:22:15,160 --> 00:22:18,160 Nothing like this at your precious South Pole. 369 00:22:18,160 --> 00:22:20,160 Nothing like this, no. 370 00:22:20,160 --> 00:22:24,160 Down there, even when the sun is high, it's always weak and diffused, you know. 371 00:22:24,160 --> 00:22:28,160 And because of the reflection from the ice from every side, there never is a definite shadow. 372 00:22:28,160 --> 00:22:32,160 There's always a number of shadows on any man or subject. 373 00:22:32,160 --> 00:22:36,160 I would say that your South Pole would drive anyone to insanity. 374 00:22:36,160 --> 00:22:38,160 I think it has. 375 00:22:38,160 --> 00:22:41,160 And then, when it's low, the sun... 376 00:22:41,160 --> 00:22:47,160 there's a never-ending twilight that holds today and yesterday together for months instead of moments. 377 00:22:47,160 --> 00:22:51,160 I remember when we reached the pole, the endless white deserts undulating, 378 00:22:51,160 --> 00:22:55,160 but offering nothing to stop the frigid winds that sweep endlessly on. 379 00:22:55,160 --> 00:22:57,160 I think you love it. 380 00:22:57,160 --> 00:22:59,160 No, I hate it. 381 00:22:59,160 --> 00:23:04,160 Because five men march to the pole and they say they've conquered it. 382 00:23:04,160 --> 00:23:06,160 But they haven't. 383 00:23:06,160 --> 00:23:08,160 It will conquer them. 384 00:23:08,160 --> 00:23:10,160 You'll never go back, will you? 385 00:23:10,160 --> 00:23:11,160 No. 386 00:23:11,160 --> 00:23:13,160 I didn't want you to go, remember? 387 00:23:13,160 --> 00:23:16,160 I was afraid that you wouldn't come back. 388 00:23:16,160 --> 00:23:18,160 Do you remember when I said that? 389 00:23:18,160 --> 00:23:20,160 Yes, yes, I remember. I laughed at you, didn't I? 390 00:23:20,160 --> 00:23:22,160 I was such a coward. 391 00:23:22,160 --> 00:23:28,160 I laughed and told you that I'd conquer it just for you, that I'd name a glacier for you. 392 00:23:28,160 --> 00:23:33,160 And I asked you how a woman should act when a glacier is named after her. 393 00:23:33,160 --> 00:23:36,160 Well, I didn't name a glacier for you, but I... 394 00:23:36,160 --> 00:23:38,160 I thought of you, Kate. 395 00:23:38,160 --> 00:23:42,160 I thought and dreamed of you so often. 396 00:23:42,160 --> 00:23:45,160 It's important that you know that. 397 00:23:45,160 --> 00:23:46,160 Scott! 398 00:23:46,160 --> 00:23:48,160 Kate, I love you. 399 00:23:48,160 --> 00:23:50,160 And at this sacrifice... 400 00:23:50,160 --> 00:23:51,160 Scott! 401 00:23:51,160 --> 00:23:52,160 What? 402 00:23:52,160 --> 00:23:54,160 Oh, yes, bothers. 403 00:23:54,160 --> 00:23:56,160 Wilson. 404 00:23:56,160 --> 00:23:58,160 Dead. 405 00:23:58,160 --> 00:24:00,160 Oh. 406 00:24:00,160 --> 00:24:02,160 Wilson? 407 00:24:02,160 --> 00:24:05,160 Oh. 408 00:24:05,160 --> 00:24:10,160 Wilson is dead. 409 00:24:16,160 --> 00:24:18,160 March the 29th. 410 00:24:18,160 --> 00:24:28,160 Since the 21st, Bowers and I, surviving Wilson, have had a continuous gale and blizzard from west-southwest and southwest. 411 00:24:28,160 --> 00:24:35,160 We had fuel to make two cups of tea apiece and bare food for two days. 412 00:24:35,160 --> 00:24:43,160 On the 20th, every day we've been ready to start for the dog-sledge camp 11 miles away. 413 00:24:43,160 --> 00:24:50,160 But outside the door of the tent, it remains a scene of whirling drift. 414 00:24:50,160 --> 00:24:58,160 I do not think we can hope for any better things now. 415 00:24:58,160 --> 00:25:04,160 We shall stick it out to the end, but we're getting weaker, of course. 416 00:25:04,160 --> 00:25:08,160 And the end cannot be far. 417 00:25:08,160 --> 00:25:16,160 It seems a pity, but I do not think that I can write much more. 418 00:25:16,160 --> 00:25:27,160 This rough journal and our dead bodies must tell the story. 419 00:25:27,160 --> 00:25:32,160 In dying, we ask... 420 00:25:32,160 --> 00:25:33,160 Bowers! 421 00:25:33,160 --> 00:25:35,160 No more! 422 00:25:35,160 --> 00:25:36,160 Bowers! 423 00:25:36,160 --> 00:25:37,160 Then... 424 00:25:37,160 --> 00:25:58,160 The following year, an expedition formed by Captain Scott's comrades at the main depot at Cape Armitage set out and found his body, along with that of Bowers and Wilson. 425 00:25:58,160 --> 00:26:02,160 Search was carried on for oats and Evans, but they were never found. 426 00:26:02,160 --> 00:26:21,160 A great cairn was built at the site of Scott's final camp, a trivial monument to the courage of five men, and especially to the complete devotion to duty of Robert Falcon Scott, who until his dying breath, continued to keep a record of the fatal journey. 427 00:26:32,160 --> 00:26:49,160 Suspense. 428 00:26:49,160 --> 00:27:04,160 In which Ben Wright starred in tonight's presentation of the Diary of Captain Scott. Next week, we bring you the story of three convicts on a road gang in Florida who planned the perfect escape through the Everglades. We call it Quiet Night. 429 00:27:04,160 --> 00:27:07,160 That's next week on... 430 00:27:07,160 --> 00:27:22,160 Suspense. 431 00:27:22,160 --> 00:27:41,160 Suspense is produced and directed in Hollywood by Anthony Ellis. Tonight's script was adapted for suspense by Gil Dowd. The music was composed by Lucian Morrowek and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Featured in the cast were Ellen Morgan, Jane Avello, Richard Peele, Raymond Lawrence, Hans Conrad, and George Walsh. 432 00:27:41,160 --> 00:27:54,160 For another fast moving demonstration of how the FBI in peace and war fights crime, don't miss the next dramatic episode over most of these same stations tomorrow night at this time. 433 00:27:54,160 --> 00:28:14,160 Stay tuned for five minutes of CBS News to be followed on most of these same stations by The Jack Carson Show. 434 00:28:14,160 --> 00:28:35,160 The Radio Workshop presents the new and unusual Friday nights on the CBS Radio Network. 435 00:28:44,160 --> 00:29:12,160 The Radio Workshop presents the new and unusual Friday nights on the CBS Radio Network.