Shackleton was deteriorating rapidly, coughing blood and suffering fainting spells and unable to help pull the sledge. Scott and Wilson, themselves suffering, struggled to get the party home. It was a close call. However, 93 days after setting off, having covered , they reached the "Discovery" and safety in February 1903. The following month, Shackleton, having suffered particularly badly from scurvy and exhaustion, was sent home early by Scott on the relief ship "Morning". On his return, Shackleton asked Wilson to join his "Nimrod" Expedition to Antarctica in 1907, but partly out of loyalty to Scott, Wilson declined.