324 THE CONQUEST OF THE NORTH POLE 



pedition, after doing some valuable work, was beset in 

 the ice, and drifted throughout the whole winter. After 

 an absence of fifteen months, it returned to civilisation in 

 the spring of 1899. 



Dr. Cook's next venture was an attempt to reach the 

 summit of Mount McKinley, in Alaska, the highest 

 mountain in North America. His first attempt was made 

 in 1903, and although he reached a height of only 11,400 

 feet, he explored a good deal of new territory. His 

 second attempt was made in 1906, and was successful. 

 He began the ascent with two companions, but one of 

 them became afraid of the crevasses in the glaciers and 

 returned to the base camp. The summit, 20,390 feet above 

 sea-level, was reached by Dr. Cook and Edward Barrille on 

 16th September in a temperature of 16° F. below zero. 



In the following year, 1907, Dr. Cook quietly made 

 preparations for a daring expedition to the North Pole. 

 He was fortunate in having a wealthy friend, John R. 

 Bradley, who paid all expenses. A strong fishing schooner 

 was purchased and well stocked with suitable supplies. 

 Mr. Bradley was especially interested in Arctic game, and 

 a considerable time was spent in hunting walruses and other 

 large animals. At Annootok, 25 miles to the north of 

 Etah, a large settlement of natives was found, in a most 

 prosperous condition, and here Dr. Cook decided to make 

 his winter quarters. Rudolph Francke was chosen to be 

 his only companion. The necessary supplies of food and 

 fuel were landed from the schooner, and a winter house 

 was soon erected. Steps were at once taken to secure a 

 large supply of meat and blubber to support the Eskimo 

 during the winter, and to make provision for the families 

 during the absence of the men accompanying the expedition 

 in the spring. The whole of the winter was occupied in 

 preparing furs and equipment of all kinds. 



Cook had an abundance of the best hickory wood, and 



