40 COOK'S STORY OF HIS DISCOVERY OF NORTH POLE 



there seemed to remain a sufficient balance for man and beast to push 

 along into the heart of the mystery to which we had set ourselves. 



"I was always in the lead with the compass. We did not ride in 

 the sledges. We had a team of thirteen dogs when the sledges were 

 lightened, and the dogs were not all needed. The disabled dogs and 

 the dogs that were not of much use made food for the other dogs. 

 As I approached the Pole the Eskimos with me were utterly scared 

 at the meteorological conditions. 



"Then came April 2ist. That was the great day. We looked 

 for the sun. As soon as we got it I made careful observations. 

 Great joy came over us. We were only sixteen miles from the 

 desired spot. I said to myself: 'Bully for Frederick.' At our next 

 observation we reached 89 degrees 59 minutes 46 seconds. The 

 Pole was in sight. Then we went on. The last stretch was the 

 easiest I ever made in my life, although I had still to make two 

 observations, and the ice was very broken. But my spirits were 

 high, and I shouted like a boy. The Eskimos looked at one another, 

 surprised at my gayety. They did not share my joy. I felt that I 

 ought to be there. I told Etukishook and Ahwelah, the accompany- 

 ing Eskimos, that we had reached the 'Great Nail." 



"I made my last observations and found that I was standing on 

 the Pole. I was too tired really to feel any sensation. When at last 

 I reached the North Pole and when every line was south and I stood 

 on the summit of the world, I put up a sign that my journey was at 

 an end and that the victory had been gained for my country. I 

 planted the Stars and Stripes upon that spot which had been the 

 goal of centuries of exploration, and which I was destined to reach 

 at last. I did not leave the flag flying, but I buried one in a tube. 

 We reached the Pole at seven o'clock in the morning. I had taken 

 daily observations for a whole fortnight before arriving there. 

 Everywhere we turned was south. With a single step we could 

 pass from one side of the earth to the other; from midday to mid- 

 night. At last the flag floated to the breezes at the Pole. It was 



