The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-10-07
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ss~BY JULES VERSE. xAaNz1
Continued from yesterdays

mo, indeed" said the doctor.
He is man, every inch a man
like yourself, Hatteras."
! And, like me, he shall have part
in the glory that awaits u.s."
The glory of reaching the north
pole?' asked Altamont.
Yes" replied Hatteras, proudly.
Il guessed right, then" said Alta
mont.
The American stood still a mo-
ment, deeply moved Then he
spoke feelingly.
And you have actually dared to
conceive such project?. Oh! it is
grand; tell you it is sublime even
to think of it?"
But tell me-" said Hatteras, in
a hurried manner, you were not
bound for the pole then yourself?"
Altamont hesitated.
Come, speak out, man." urged
the doctor.
well, to tell the truth, l was
not, and the truth is better than
self love. No, l had no such grand
purpose in view. l was trying to
clear the northwest passage, and
that was all"
| "Altamont," said Hatteras, hold
ing out his hand; "be our compan-
ion to glory; come with us and find
the north pole
| The two men clasped hands in
a warm, hearty grasp, and the
bond of friendship between them
was sealed
When they turned to look for
the doctor they found him in tears.
"Ah! friends" he said, wiping
his eyes; you have made me so
happy, it is almost more than |
can bear? You have sacrificed this
miserable nationality for the sake
of the common cause. You have
said, What does it matter If only
the pole is discovered, whether it
is by Englishmen or an American? p
Why should we brag of being
American or English when we can
boast that we are men?"
The good little man was beside
himself with joy. He Rugged the
reconciled enemies to his bosom,
and cemented their friendship by
his own affection to both.
Calming themselves, the men cut
up the oxen and made their way
back to camp. At supper the doc
tor said:
my dear old Johnson, took out
an American and an Englishman
with me, didn't ~
Yes, Mr.. Clawbonny."
We'll, l bring back two broth
ers."
This was joyous news to the sail
ors, and they shook hands warmly
with Altamont; while the doctor
recounted all that had passed, and
how the American captain had
saved the English captains life
That night no five happier men
could have been found than those
that lay sleeping in the little
snow house
Bell completed the sloop; the ice
began to break up.
A trial was made to Cape Wash
ington. This short sail of six hours
sufficiently proved her excellent
qualities.
| On the 22d of June, Hatteras be-
gan to load the sledge. They put in
200 pounds of salt meat, three
cases if vegetables and preserved
meat, besides lime juice and flour
and medicines. They also took zoe
pounds of powder and a stock OF
firearms. Including the sloop and
the Halkett boat, there was about
1900 pounds weight, a heavy load
However, the distance to the
pole was not 355 miles at the out.
side, and they did not intend to
go more than II 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 with.
out fatigue omen or dogs.
On Sunday, the 3d. all was
ready, and it was resolved to de.
vote the entire day to rest.
They retired early to rest, for
they needed to be up betimes. So
passed the last night in Fort Provi-
dence.
Next day at early dawn, HATTIE
ras gave the signal for departure