48 THE FRIENDLY ARCTIC 



him and his efficiency in managing the affairs of the ship, he won 

 the admiration and confidence of everybody. And he obeyed every 

 order effectively and without quibbling. 



We have outlined the two main views of ice navigation — the 

 bold Atlantic pohcy of "keep away from the land, face the ice and 

 take your chances"; the cautious Alaska one of "hug the coast, 

 play safe, and if you don't get there this year you may have an- 

 other chance next." There were divided opinions aboard, but I 

 was in command and the decision and responsibility had to be 

 mine. I decided for what a friendly person would call the bolder 

 course. But whoever prefers to be truthful rather than kind must 

 say I chose the wrong alternative. 



After lying at Cross Island for several hours, discussing theories 

 and plans, we hove anchor and steamed deliberately north, away 

 from land, threading our way between the ice-cakes and occasion- 

 ally ramming them to break a way. "It may be safe, but I don't 

 think so," said Hadley. Every one else seemed delighted with our 

 adoption of what they considered the bolder and more sportsman- 

 like policy. 



Relentless events were to prove this decision my most serious 

 error of the whole expedition. 



