CHAPTER X 
forwaed! march! 
/^OMMANDER PEARY was an officer 
^-^ of the United States Navy, but there 
never was the slightest mihtary aspect to any 
of his expeditions. No banners flying, no 
trumpets blaring, and no sharp, incisive com- 
mands. Long ago, crossing the ice-cap of 
North Greenland, he carried a wand of bam- 
boo, on one end of which was attached a little 
silk guidon, with a star embroidered on it, but 
even that had been discarded and the only 
thing military about this expedition was 
his peremptory "Forward! March!" What 
flags we had were folded and stowed on Com- 
mander Peary's sledge, and broken-out only at 
the North Pole. 
Captain Bartlett and Mr. George Borup 
were all alert and at attention, the command 
of preparation and the command of execution 
were quickly given in rapid succession, and 
they were off. 
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