SECOND AUTUMN IN THE ICE 587 



an expedition entails ? The fact that there will be two 

 men less is of little importance, for the Frani can be 

 handled quite as well with eleven men. A more im- 

 portant point is that we shall have to take with us all 

 the dogs except the seven puppies ; but they are amply 

 supplied W'ith sledge provisions and first-class sledge 

 equipments on board, and it is inconceivable that in 

 case anything happened to the Frani they should be 

 unable to reach Franz Josef Land or Spitzbergen. It 

 is scarcely likely that in case they had to abandon her 

 it would be farther north than 85°; probably not even 

 so far north. But suppose they were obliged to aban- 

 don her at 85", it would probably be about north of 

 Franz Josef Land, when they would be 207 miles 

 from Cape Fligely ; or if farther to the east it would be 

 some 276 miles from the Seven Islands, and it is hard 

 to believe that they could not manage a distance like 

 that with our equipments. Now, as before, I am of 

 opinion that the Fraiii will in all probability drift right 

 across the polar basin and out on the other side with- 

 out being stopped, and without being destroyed ; but 

 even if any accident should occur, I do not see why the 

 crew should not be able to make their way home in safety, 

 provided due measures of precaution are observed. Con- 

 sequently, I think there is no reason wdiy a sledge expedi- 

 tion should not leave the Frani, and I feel that as it prom- 

 ises such good results it ought certainly to be attempted." 



END OF VOL. I 



