106 ON THE WAY TO THE SOUTH 



transport, and maintained order capitally. They had 

 succeeded in gaining the dogs' confidence, and at the 

 same time their complete respect just what was wanted, 

 in fact. At the Frames gangway the dogs came in for 

 an active and determined reception, and before they 

 had recovered from their surprise and fright, they were 

 securely fastened on deck and given to understand with 

 all politeness that the best thing they could do for 

 the time being was to accept the situation with calmness. 

 The whole proceeding went so rapidly that in the course 

 of a couple of hours we had all the ninety-seven dogs on 

 board and had found room for them; but it must be 

 added that the Fram's deck was utilized to the utmost. 

 We had thought we should be able to keep the bridge 

 free, but this could not be done if we were to take them 

 all with us. The last boat-load, fourteen in number, 

 had to be accommodated there. All that was left was 

 a little free space for the man at the wheel. As for the 

 officer of the watch, it looked as if he would be badly 

 off for elbow-room; there was reason to fear that he 

 would be compelled to kill time by standing stock-still 

 in one spot through the whole watch; but just then 

 there was no time for small troubles of this sort. No 

 sooner was the last dog on board than we set about 

 putting all visitors ashore, and then the motor began 

 working the windlass under the forecastle. The 

 anchor's up!" Full speed ahead, and the voyage 

 towards our goal, 16,000 miles away, was begun. 



