222 THE SIEGE OF THE NORTH POLE 



It was on the first occasion that the kayaks were 

 used. They had just crossed a pool, and Nansen had 

 hauled one of the sledges half-way on to the ice when the 

 seal appeared and was shot by Johansen. Nansen seized 

 a harpoon and threw it deep into the fat back of the seal. 

 Meanwhile the sledge, which had been drawn partly on to 

 the ice, slid down again, and the kayaks with Johansen 

 and the dogs were set adrift. He tried to drag the sledge 

 up on to the kayak, but failed. The sledge gradually 

 heeled the kayaks over until one side of Johansen's was 

 in the water. The cooker which was on the deck fell off 

 and drifted away ; the snow-shoes followed. Nansen 

 meanwhile was holding on to the seal, but had to let go 

 and assist in preventing the kayak from sinking. In the 

 end, the lost articles were rescued, and the seal hauled on 

 to the ice. They had previously reduced their rations and 

 fuel to a minimum, but now they feasted on seal's flesh 

 and blubber. It was decided to remain here some time, 

 to see if the ice would open to allow the kayaks to be 

 used. About this time they abandoned everything that 

 was not absolutely necessary, so as to lighten the load as 

 much as possible — even the sleeping-bag was left behind. 



From this camp they first saw land without being 

 aware of what it was. While still waiting at this camp, 

 a bear with two cubs put in an appearance, and after a 

 difficult chase over ice and lanes, all three were shot. 

 This fortunate occurrence supplied an abundance of food. 

 Nansen and his companion remained at this place, which 

 was named " Longing Camp," until the 22nd July. A 

 great deal of meat had to be left behind, and a good 

 many articles, such as a hammer, Finn shoes, a frying-pan, 

 sail-cloth, etc. In place of these articles, some flesh from 

 the seal and bear was carried. 



Land was first detected on 23rd July. It had been 

 observed before, but the snow-fields were mistaken for 



