5:30 p.m.
Shall relieve him from work during the morrow 's march . Less than a mile covered to-day . Meridian observation for latitude impossible on account of fog . Divine services at 5:30 p.m. '' A week passed , then another . There was no change , neither in the character of the ice nor in the expedition 's daily routine . Their toil was incredible ; at times an hour 's unremitting struggle would gain but a few yards . The dogs , instead of aiding them , were rapidly becoming mere encumbrances .