Chapter 28 Chapter 28 Preparations for Departure

Hatteras didn't want his crew to know about this new situation, and he had a point.These unfortunates may have plunged into hopeless madness once they knew they were being drawn northward by an irresistible force.The doctor understood this, and applauded the captain's silence. He kept to himself the feeling this discovery had made him.It was his first moment of happiness since the long years of incessant struggle!He was another 150 nautical miles closer to the north, less than 8° from the pole, but he kept this joy so deep in his heart that even the doctors didn't notice it.Hatteras's eyes shone uncommonly; but so far, no answer to the question, which was so natural, came to his mind.

The High Pole of the "Advance" was getting closer and farther away from the coal mine that Sir Edward Bilcher saw; to find it, it was 250 nautical miles to the south.But Hatteras and Crowburny discussed the matter briefly, and decided to save the trip. If Bilcher was telling the truth and there were no doubts about his credibility, the things should be as they were when he saw them. Since 1853, no expedition has been to these remote areas.At this latitude one encounters little or no Eskimos.What happened on Beecher Island cannot be repeated off the coast of New Cornuai.Low temperatures can permanently preserve things that are under this influence.All hopes are pinned on this expedition through the snow and ice.

The expedition was expected to take up to 40 days, and then it was up to Johnson to make the preparations. He first chose the sledge; it was of the Greenlandic type, twenty-five inches wide and twenty-four feet long.Eskimo man-made sleds often exceed 50 feet in length.The sled consisted of long boards bent back and forth, like a bow bent by two thick ropes.This construction gives it some sort of natural cushioning that can make shocks less dangerous.This sled runs briskly on the ice; but in snowy days, when the white snow layer has not yet been stepped on, two vertically juxtaposed frames are installed on it, so that after it is raised, it can move forward without traction. .Besides, it runs especially easily if it is rubbed with a mixture of sulfur and snow in the Eskimo way.

A wagon consisted of six dogs; the animals were lean but strong, and did not seem to suffer too much from the harsh winter; their buckskin saddle bridles were in good condition; Car, which the Greenlanders in Urbanavik sold them in good faith.These six beasts are capable of towing 2,000 pounds without getting overly tired. The supplies for camping were a tent in case the igloo could not be built, a large tarpaulin to lay on the snow so that it would not sink in contact with the body, and finally many wool quilts and buffalo hides.In addition, a tugboat was brought along. Food consists of five boxes of patties, weighing about 450 pounds; counting each person, one pound of patties per dog; seven dogs including Duck; no more than four persons.Twelve gallons of spirits were also taken, that is to say about 150 pounds, as well as ample tea, biscuits, a light little kitchen, a good deal of fuse and hemp, powder, ammunition, and four guns.According to the rules of Captain Barry, those who participated in the expedition should wear rubber belts so that the heat and movement of the body will keep the coffee, tea and water liquid.

Johnson paid particular attention to the manufacture of the snowshoes, which were fastened to wooden stands fastened with straps; Every traveler has two pairs of each of these shoes. These preparations were of the utmost importance, for the failure of a single detail could have caused the failure of the expedition, and the preparations took four days.Every day at noon Hatteras carefully determined the position of his ship; it was no longer drifting, and for return it must be with absolute certainty. Hatteras was in charge of choosing who would go with him.It was a big decision, too; a few people weren't right to take, but they had to be careful about staying on board.However, everyone's salvation depends on the success or failure of this expedition. In the opinion of the captain, it is the best policy to first choose those traveling companions who are reassuring and have been tested for a long time.

Sandon was excluded; but he showed no regrets in this regard.James Wall was bedridden and unable to join the expedition. Again, the patient's condition did not worsen, and their treatment consisted of constant rubbing and large doses of lemon juice; it was not difficult to do, and did not require the presence of a doctor at all.The Doctor therefore joined the expedition, and his departure caused no protest. Johnson was particularly eager to go on the adventure with the captain; but the latter, taking him aside, said in an enthusiastic, almost excited tone: "Johnson," he said to him, "I trust only you, and you are the only officer I can keep on board. I should keep you here to keep an eye on Sandon and the rest. They're stuck here in winter; but who Knowing their bad nature will teach them what harmful decisions? You have my written instructions here, and you take the lead when necessary. You are another me. The time we are not here is at most four or five I am relieved to have you here in my absence, Sunday. You need lumber, Johnson. I know that! But, if possible, spare my poor ship. Do you understand me, Johnson? "

"I see, Captain," replied the old sailor, "I'll stay, if it pleases you." "Thank you!" said Hatteras, shaking the bosun's hand, and he added: "If you don't see us coming back, Johnson, wait until the thaw next year and try to sail to the North Pole. If others object, forget about us and take the 'Forward' to England." "It is your wish, Captain?" "Exactly my will," Hatteras replied. "Your orders will be carried out," Johnson said simply. Having taken this decision, the doctor felt sorry for his venerable friend, but he had to admit that Hatteras was right in doing so.

The other two traveling companions are Carpenter Bell and Simpson. The former is strong, brave and loyal, and will play a big role in camping in the snow; very big. Thus, the team consists of Hatteras, Crawford, Bell, Simpson and the faithful Duck: four men and seven dogs to eat.How much food to bring has already been calculated. In the first days of January, the temperature remains at an average of -37°C.Hatteras waited anxiously for the weather to change; he had looked many times at the barometer, but should not trust it, the instrument seemed to have lost its usual accuracy at high latitudes; clear skies are not always accompanied by cold, and snow does not raise the temperature; the barometer is inaccurate, as many polar navigators have noticed; it automatically lowers when northerly and easterner winds blow; When the air pressure is low, it will be fine weather; when the air pressure is high, it will snow or rain.One cannot believe its scale.

Finally, on January 5, the east wind raised the temperature by 15°C, and the mercury column on the thermometer rose to -28°C.Hatteras decided to set off the next day, and he could not wait any longer, he could not watch his ship being hacked; the poop was all in the furnace. So on January 6, in the hour of the storm, the order to go was given, and the doctor gave his patient a last word; Bell and Simpson silently shook hands with their companions for the last time.Hatteras wanted to say goodbye aloud, but he found malicious eyes all around him.He caught a sneer of irony on Sandon's lips.He shut up.Perhaps he himself hesitated as he set off, and he took one last look at the Forward.

But he would not withdraw his decision; the loaded sledge waited on the ice field; Bell went ahead, and the others followed.Johnson accompanied the far-strider for a quarter of a mile; then Hatteras bade him return to the ship, and the old sailor, after a long farewell, returned. Then Hatteras turned to look at the ship for the last time and saw the tops of the masts disappearing into the cloudy snow of the sky.