214 THE SIEGE OF THE NORTH POLE 



which would give about 9^ miles a day. The expedition was 

 to consist of twenty-eight dogs, and two men, with 2100 lb. 

 of provisions and equipments. Nansen calculated that in 

 fifty days the dogs would consume 1400 lb. of pemmican, 

 allowing a pound a day for each dog. Two pounds of 

 provisions daily for each man was allowed. In returning, 

 he intended to make for either the Seven Islands, north of 

 Spitzbergen, or Cape Fligely in Franz-Josef Land, accord- 

 ing to circumstances. Setting out on the 1st of March, 

 he expected to reach the Pole at the end of April, and have 

 about 500 lb. of provisions left for the return journey. 

 This would not allow anything for the dogs, so it was 

 intended to kill some to feed the others. Allowing for 

 the gradual reduction of weight on the return journey, 

 Nansen calculated that Cape Fligely should be reached 

 about the 1st of June. From here he would decide 

 whether to return along the north-west coast of Franz- 

 Josef Land by Gillis Land towards North-East Island and 

 Spitzbergen, or south through Austria Sound towards the 

 south coast of Franz-Josef Land, and thence to Novaya 

 Zemlya or Spitzbergen. 



Nansen decided that Johansen should be his companion. 

 He was a lieutenant in the Reserve, and was so eager to 

 go in the Fram that, as no other post could be found for 

 him, he accepted that of stoker. He afterwards assisted 

 Hansen in taking scientific observations. 



On 20th November, Nansen delivered an address to the 

 whole ship's company, in which he announced his de- 

 termination to make the sledge-journey. Preparations 

 were now made in earnest. During the summer Nansen 

 had already begun to make a kayak, the frame of which 

 was of bamboo carefully lashed together. When com- 

 pleted, the framework weighed 16 lb. It was afterwards 

 covered with sail-cloth, when the whole boat weighed 

 30 lb. It was 12 feet long, 28 inches wide in the 



