212 FARTHEST NORTH 



mings. This farthest north part of Siberia is quite un- 

 inhabited, and has probably not been visited even by 

 the wandering nomads. However, I saw a circular moss- 

 heap on a plain far inland, which looked as if it might 

 be the work of man's hand. Perhaps, after all, some 

 Samoyede had been here collecting moss for his rein- 

 deer; but it must have been long ago; for the moss 

 looked quite black and rotten. The heap was quite 

 possibly only one of Nature's freaks — she is often ca- 

 pricious. 



What a constant alternation of light and shadow 

 there is in this Arctic land. When I went up to the 

 crow's-nest next morning (September 9th) I saw that 

 the ice to the north had loosened from the land, and 

 I could trace a channel which might lead us north- 

 ward into open water. I at once gave the order to 

 get up steam. The barometer was certainly low — 

 lower than we had ever had it yet; it was down to ']2i2> 

 mni. — the wind was blowing in heavy squalls off the 

 land, and in on the plains the gusts were whirling up 

 clouds of sand and dust. 



Sverdrup thought it would be safer to stay where we 

 were ; but it would be too annoying to miss this splendid 

 opportunity; and the sunshine was so beautiful, and the 

 sky so smiling and reassuring. I gave orders to set sail, 

 and soon we were pushing on northward through the ice, 

 under steam, and with every stitch of canvas that we 

 could crowd on. Cape Chelyuskin must be vanquished \ 



