BOOT PROBLEM SOLVED 369 



with, from the descriptions we had read of the country. 

 With this proviso everyone might do as he pleased, 

 and all began by improving their boots in accordance 

 with our previous experience. The improvement con- 

 sisted in making them larger. Wisting took mine in 

 hand again, and began once more to pull them to pieces. 

 It is only by tearing a thing to pieces that one can see 

 what the work is like. We gained a good insight into 

 the way our boots had been made; stronger or more 

 conscientious work it would be impossible to find. 

 It was hard w r ork pulling them to pieces. This time 

 mine lost a couple more soles. How many that made 

 altogether I do not remember, but now I got what I 

 had always called for room enough. Besides being 

 able to wear all the foot-coverings I had, I could also 

 find room for a wooden sole. That made me happy; 

 my great object was achieved. Now the temperature 

 could be as low as it liked; it would not get through 

 the wooden soles and my various stockings seven 

 pairs, I think, in all. I was pleased that evening, as 

 the struggle had been a long one; it had taken me 

 nearly two years to arrive at this result. 



And then there was the dog-harness, which we must 

 all have in order. The experience of the last depot 

 journey, when two dogs fell into a crevasse through 

 faulty harness, must not be allowed to repeat itself. 

 We therefore devoted great care and attention to this 

 gear, and used all the best materials we had. The 



VOL. i. 24 



