FARTHEST NORTH 



CHAPTER I 

 WE PREPARE FOR THE SLEDGE EXPEDITION 



Who are to be tlie two members of the expedition ? 

 Sverdriip and I have tested each other before at this 

 sort of work, and we could manage very well ; but we 

 cannot both leave the Fraui: that is perfectly clear 

 without further argument. One of us must remain be- 

 hind to take on himself the responsibility of bringing 

 the others home in safety; but it is equally clear that 

 one of us two must conduct the sledge expedition, as 

 it is we who have the necessary experience. Sverdrup 

 has a great desire to go ; but I cannot think otherwise 

 than that there is more risk in leaving the Frani than 

 in remaining on board her. Consequently if I were to 

 let him o-q, I should be transferrino- to him the more 

 dangerous task, while keeping the easier one to myself. 

 If he perished, should I ever be able to forgive myself 

 for letting him go, even if it was at his own desire } He 

 is nine years older than I am ; I should certainly feel it 

 II.— I 



