192 THE NORTH POLE 



every possible contingency provided for, I had a few 

 hours in which to look the situation squarely in the 

 face, and to think of those other times, when, as now, I 

 was on the eve of departure into the void and unknown 

 North. 



When at last I turned in for a few hours' sleep before 

 the morning start, it was with the consciousness that so 

 far as my knowledge and ability went, everything had 

 been done, and that every member of the party, as well 

 as myself, would put into his efforts all there was 

 in him of will and sinew and vitality. This being 

 settled, the outcome rested with the elements — the 

 vagaries of the arctic pack, and the quality and amount 

 of our own physical and mental stamina. 



This was my final chance to realize the one dream 

 of my life. The morning start would be the drawing 

 of the string to launch the last arrow in my quiver. 



