half past five
Since the middle of the forenoon the horizon had been obscured by clouds and mist so that no observation for position could be taken . Steadily the clouds had advanced , and by four o'clock the expedition found itself enveloped by wind and driving snow . The flags could no longer be distinguished ; thin and treacherous ice was concealed under drifts ; the dogs floundered helplessly ; the men could scarcely open their eyes against the wind and fine , powder-like snow , and at times when they came to drag forward the last sledge they found it so nearly buried in the snow that it must be dug out before it could be moved . Toward half past five the odometer on one of the dog-sleds registered a distance of three-quarters of a mile made since morning . Bennett called a halt , and camp was pitched in the lee of one of the larger hummocks . The alcohol cooker was set going , and supper was had under the tent , the men eating as they lay in their sleeping-bags . But even while eating they fell asleep , drooping lower and lower , finally collapsing upon the canvas floor of the tent , the food still in their mouths .