FINAL PREPARATIONS
Next day the weather changed, the cold returned. Snow, and rain, and
tempest came in quick succession for several days.
Bell had completed the sloop, and done his work well, for the little
vessel was admirably adapted for the purpose contemplated, being
high at the sides and partly decked so as to be able to stand a
heavy sea, and yet light enough to be drawn on the sledge without
overburdening the dogs.
At last a change of the greatest importance took place. The ice
began to tremble in the centre of the bay, and the highest masses
became loosened at their base ready to form icebergs, and drift away
before the first gale; but Hatteras would not wait for the
ice-fields to break up before he started. Since the journey must be
made on land, he did not care whether the sea was open or not; and
the day of departure was fixed for the 25th of June—Johnson and
Bell undertaking the necessary repairs of the sledge.
On the 20th, finding there was space enough between the broken ice
to allow the sloop to get through, it was determined to take her a
trial trip to Cape Washington.
[Illustration]
The sea was not quite open but it would have been impossible to go
across on foot.
This short sail of six hours sufficiently tested the powers of the
sloop, and proved her excellent qualities. In coming back they
witnessed a curious sight; it was the chase of a seal by a gigantic
bear. Mr. Bruin was too busily engaged to notice the vessel, or he
would have pursued; he was intently watching beside a seal hole with
the patience of a true hunter, or rather angler, for he was
certainly fishing just then. He watched in absolute silence, without
stirring or giving the least sign of life.
[Illustration]
But all of a sudden there was a slight disturbance on the surface of
the water in the hole, which announced the coming up of the
amphibious animal to breathe. Instantly the bear lay flat on his
belly with his two paws stretched round the opening.
[Illustration: The poor seal struggled desperately, but could not
free himself from the iron grasp of his enemy.—P.184]
Next minute up came the seal, but his head no sooner appeared above
the water than the bear's paws closed about him like a vice, and
dragged him right out. The poor seal struggled desperately, but
could not free himself from the iron grasp of his enemy, who hugged
him closer and closer till suffocation was complete. Then he carried
him off to his den as if the weight were nothing, leaping lightly
from pack to pack till he gained terra firma safely.
[Illustration]
On the 22nd of June, Hatteras began to load the sledge. They put
in 200 lbs. of salt meat, three cases of vegetables and preserved
meat, besides lime-juice, and flour, and medicines. They also took
200 lbs. of powder and a stock of fire-arms. Including the sloop
and the Halkett-boat, there was about 1500 lbs. weight, a heavy
load for four dogs, and all the more as they would have to drag
it every day, instead of only four days successively, like the
dogs employed by the Esquimaux, who always keep a relay for their
sledges. However, the distance to the Pole was not 150 miles at
the outside, and they did not intend to go more than twelve miles
a day, as they could do it comfortably in a month. Even if land
failed them, they could always fall back on the sloop, and finish
the journey without fatigue to men or dogs.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
All the party were in excellent health, though they had lost flesh a
little; but, by attending to the Doctor's wise counsels, they had
weathered the winter without being attacked by any of the maladies
incident to the climate.
Now, they were almost at their journey's end, and not one doubted
of success, for a common bond of sympathy bound fast the five men,
and made them strong to persevere.
On Sunday, the 23rd, all was ready, and it was resolved to devote
the entire day to rest.
The dwellers on Fort Providence could not see the last day dawn
without some emotion. It cost them a pang to leave the snow-hut
which had served them in such good stead, and this hospitable shore
where they had passed the winter. Take it altogether, they had spent
very happy hours there, and the Doctor made a touching reference to
the subject as they sat round the table at the evening meal, and did
not forget to thank God for his manifest protection.
[Illustration]
They retired early to rest, for they needed to be up betimes. So
passed the last night in Fort Providence.