Since he had not done any major work in 1970, the Editor set off on the afternoon of 20th November with the intention of reading something in the Law Library. After walking round all the bays investigating open shelves noted at one time or another, he reached the General Periodicals at the end of an hour and, after the Times Law Reports, the Harvard Law Review was inspected. At the end of the second shelf the sixty-second volume was contemplated but not dismissed as unreadable, as had been the case on previous occasions. Large pages filled with small print were turned over to enable the explorer to read:

The case of the Speluncan Explorers. (1949) 62 HLR 616

"The four defendants all belong to the Speluncan Society, an organisation interested in the exploration of caves. Early in May 1949 they, in the company of Roger Whetmore, penetrated into the interior of a limestone cavern of the type found in the Central Plateau of this country. While they were in a remote location, heavy boulders fell in such a manner as to block completely the only known entrance to the cave. When the men discovered their predicament they settled themselves near the obstructed entrance to wait until rescuers should remove the fallen rock.

The task of rescue proved one of overwhelming difficulty, involving a huge temporary camp of workmen, engineers and heavy machinery. The rescue was hampered by fresh rockfalls, one of which killed ten of the workmen, but success was finally achieved after thirty-two days.

Since it was known that the explorers had only scant provisions, anxiety was early felt that they might die of starvation before they could be reached. Only after twenty days was it learned that they had in the cave with them a portable wireless capable of both sending out and receiving messages. With the help of a similar machine, oral contact was established. The defendants enquired how long it would take to release them and were told by the engineers, "at least ten days". They then described their condition and rations and asked if they would be likely to live without food for ten days longer. The physicians on the surface said that there was little possibility. The wireless machine then remained silent for eight hours. Then Whetmore, on behalf of the defendants, asked whether they would be able to live for ten days if they consumed the flesh of one of their number. The physicians reluctantly replied in the affirmative. Whetmore asked whether it would be advisable for them to cast lots to determine which one of them should be eaten. None of those attached to the camp above was willing to answer this question. Thereafter, no further messages were received from within the cave.

From the testimony of the defendants, it appears that it was Whetmore who first proposed that they might survive by eating one of their number, and proposed the use of some method of casting lots, indicating to the defendants a pair of dice he happened to have with him. Though reluctant at first, the defendants finally agreed on the plan proposed and, after discussion on the mathematical problems involved, on a method of determining the issue by the use of dice.

Before the dice were cast, however, Whetmore declared that he withdrew from the agreement, as he had decided on reflection to wait a further week. The others charged him with a breach of faith and proceeded to cast the dice. When it came to Whetmore's turn, the dice were cast for him by one of the defendants, and he was asked to declare any objection he might have to the fairness of the throw. He stated that he had no such objection. The throw went against him and he was then put to death and eaten by his companions.

After their rescue, and lengthy convalescence in hospital, the defendants were indicted for the murder of Roger Whetmore. They were found guilty and sentenced to death. On appeal to the supreme court, Chief Justice Truepenny held that the defendants were guilty of the crime; Justice Keen was of the opposite opinion; Justice Tatting refused to deliver a judgement. Accordingly, the judgement of the court below was affirmed, and on Friday April 2nd, the defendants were hanged."

This tragic case illustrates yet again the folly of venturing underground inadequately prepared - salt and pepper are as essential a part of a caver's equipment as his boots and helmet.

Andrew Nichols (C.U.C.C.)