396 ANDREE'S FATAL FLIGHT IN A BALLOON 



from the party, either fearing the result or on account of being 

 recently married and in response to his wife's fears. He was 

 replaced by Knut Frankel, an able engineer, whose aid Andree was 

 glad to obtain. 



The new start for Danes Island was made early in June, 1897, 

 and on the iQth the work of inflation of the balloon began. Its 

 surface was thoroughly examined to check any leakage or repair 

 any weak spots that might appear, all the work being pressed for- 

 ward with great rapidity. Last of all, the inflation being finished, 

 the car was attached to the balloon, which was held down by three 

 strong ropes. All' was ready for the great ascent. 



Andree's last act on the nth of July, the day of the ascent, was 

 to write two messages, which were taken to Tromso and telegraphed 

 to Stockholm. One read: 



"To Aftonblast: 



"To-day, Sunday, at 10.35 A - M -> we began preparations for 

 departure, and are ready now, 2.30 P. M. We shall probably be 

 going in north and northeast direction and expect by and by to 

 come into regions with more favorable wind conditions than here. 

 In the name of all my associates I send warmest greeting to father- 

 land and friends. ANDREE/' 



The other was to the king: 



"VIRGOS HARBOR, July n, 2.35 p. M. 

 "To King Oscar: 



"In the moment of departure the members of the polar expedi- 

 tion beg your majesty to accept our respectful greeting and warmest 

 ihanks. ANDREE/' 



Everything ready and the moment arrived, the members of the 

 expedition shook hands cordially with those who were there to see 

 them ofif, the latter showing more emotion than the three explorers 

 themselves, of whom only Strindberg manifested any signs of 



