THE RESCUE 



Eskimos were then questioned about the possi- 

 bihty of getting a small boat across. But they 

 shook their heads dubiously. Etes and Stewart 

 then decided to risk it. While the latter got to- 

 gether some food, Etes mixed the gasoline and 

 motor oil, then with the aid of a half dozen of the 

 Eskimos and after much difficulty, the Mulhns steel 

 boat was successfully launched. 



When I, with my heart in my mouth, had ar- 

 rived and joined the watching group of Eskimos, 

 I glued my eyes upon the frail boat as it bobbed 

 about among the seas. Had I been present when 

 the umiak came in, I should not have permitted 

 this attempt to be made, for the seas were sure to 

 go down sometime after sunset. This the boys 

 probably understood, and now we could only watch 

 and pray that they might get safely across. 



As soon as the situation was clear to me I had 

 dispatched Marius with a note to Belknap at the 

 observatory telling him of the prospect of saving 

 the flyers, declaring the dinner cancelled, and ask- 

 ing him to come down as soon as convenient. 



From near the tent-house there is a clear line 

 of vision to the observatory and between them Bel- 

 knap and Schneider now concerted that the former 

 was to signal with his flashlight "Hassell Safe" 

 if and when the rescue was effected after dark. 



269 



