20 THE START FOR THE POLE 



could easily have done twice this, but as it was more 

 important to arrive than to show great speed, we 

 limited the distance; besides which, here between the 

 depots we had sufficient food to allow us to take our 

 time. We were interested in seeing how the dogs 

 would manage the loaded sledges. We expected them 

 to do well, but not so well as they did. 



On October 25 we left 80° S. with a light north-westerly 

 breeze, clear and mild. I was now to take up my 

 position in advance of the sledges, and placed myself 

 a few paces in front of Hanssen's, with my ski pointing 

 in the right direction. A last look behind me: "All 

 ready?" and away I went. I thought — no; I didn't 

 have time to think. Before I knew anything about it, 

 I was sent flying by the dogs. In the confusion that 

 ensued they stopped, luckily, so that I escaped without 

 damage, as far as that went. To tell the truth, I was 

 angry, but as I had sense enough to see that the situation, 

 already sufficiently comic, would be doubly ridiculous if 

 I allowed my annoyance to show itself, I wisely kept 

 quiet. And, after all, whose fault was it? I was really 

 the only one to blame; why in the world had I not got 

 away faster? I now changed my plan entirely — there 

 is nothing to be ashamed of in that, I hope — and fell in 

 with the awkward squad; there I was more successful. 

 "All ready? Go!" And go they did. First Hanssen 

 went off like a meteor; close behind him came Wisting, 

 and then Bjaaland and Hassel. They all had ski on, 



