122 THE SIEGE OF THE NORTH POLE 



the same number in fishing and hunting at the southern 

 extremity of Novaya Zemlva. This programme did not 

 suit the Austrians. It was therefore arranged that one 

 of the vessels should take the expedition to Vardo, in 

 Norway, without delay, and that in return for this service 

 the Russians should receive three of the Austrian boats, 

 two rifles, and be guaranteed a sum of 1200 silver 

 roubles. 



The Nikolai sailed on the 26th August, and reached 

 Vardo on 3rd September. Two days later the mail 

 steamer from Vardo to Hamburg took the expedition 

 on board, and stopping at Tromsoe, put ashore Captain 

 Carlsen. 



The discovery of Franz-Josef Land was an important 

 one, and stimulated further Arctic exploration. It also 

 served as a new point from which to attack the Pole. 



