126 THE BATTLE OF THE HEROES 



progress over the polar seas, Dr. Cook replied : "No he scarcely would have 

 come across my tracks." 



Dr. Cook then said: "I understand that a rumor is current about my 

 having taken some of Peary's provisions at Etah ; this is founded on Eskimo 

 gossip and misunderstanding. I desire no controversy. I simply say in reply 

 to any such assertion, *No.' Commander Peary is a friend of mine." 



Cook's hearty congratulations did not check Peary's charges. On Sep- 

 tember 14 he was interviewed under picturesque circumstances on the deck of 

 the Roosevelt off Battle Harbor, Labrador. On this occasion he said : "I am 

 the only white man who has ever reached the North Pole and I am prepared 

 to prove it." 



The Associated Press tug Douglas Thomas, after a stormy passage up 

 the west coast of Newfoundland and through the Strait of Belle Isle from 

 Sydney, arrived at the lonely whaling and mission settlement at noon Septem- 

 ber 14. A squall of rain was sweeping over the harbor as the Thomas steamed 

 in, but with glasses it was possible to make out the mast and hull of the Arctic 

 steamer Roosevelt moored in the inner bay. The Thomas broke out the 

 "North Pole" flag, the same emblem that was flying from the mizzenmast of 

 the Roosevelt, and signaled "The Associated Press congratulates you." 



The Roosevelt then signaled the thanks of Commander Peary for this 

 message, whereupon the Thomas gave three loud blasts of her whistle. In 

 response there came from the Roosevelt a chorus of barking and yelping from 

 the Eskimo dogs on board, that echoed back from the surrounding hills. 



The Thomas drew near to the Roosevelt. The steamer looked little the 

 worse for her second trip to the polar regions. Along the rail were gathered, 

 the members of her famous crew, among them the redoubtable Capt. Robert 

 Bartlett, who was at once recognized. 



Capt. Bartlett invited the Thomas to tie alongside and the correspondent 

 to come on board without delay. The correspondent clambered over the 

 weather-beaten bulwarks and proceeded direct to the cabin to meet the man 

 who has stood upon the apex of the world. 



Peary said : "I have already stated publicly that Cook has not been to the 

 pole. This I reaffirm, and I will stand by it, but I decline to discuss the details 

 of the matter. These will come out later. 



"I have said that Dr. Cook's statement that he reached the pole should not 

 be taken seriously, and that I 'have him nailed' by concrete proofs to support 

 my statement." 



