Norwich bulletin., 1909-09-28
SIXTH INsTALLMENT. THE CONQUEST OF THE POLE.
By Or. Frederick A. Cook.


 (copyright. 1909, by the New York Herald. company. Registered in Canada in accordance with the Copyright Act Copyright in Mexico under the laws of the Republic of Mexico. All Rights Reserved.) 4
 Koolootingwah and Inugito had been our bedfellows for the entire north ward run and they had gone through many dangerous and hard experiences together. We, therefore, felt more keenly their departure than the going of the first six. We were at first lone- ly but the exigencies of our problem were soon sufficiently engaging to oc- cupy every call and strain every fibre. Now our party was reduced to three, and, though the isolation was more oppressive, there were the usual ad- vantages for greater comfort and progress of a small family of workers. The increased number of a big expe- dition always enlarges the responsibil- ity and difficulties. In the early part of a polar venture this disadvantage is eliminated by the survival of the fit- test, but after the last supporting sleds return the men are married to each other and can no longer separate A disabled or unitted dog can be fed to his companions, but an injured or weak man cannot be put aside. An exploring venture is only as strong as it's weakest member, and increased members like increased links in a chain reduce efficiency.
 The personal idiosyncrasies and in conveniences always shorten the day S march, but, above all, a numerous par ty quickly divides into cliques, which are always opposed to each other to the leader and to the best interests of the problem in hand. With but two savage companions, to whom this ardu- ous task was but a part of an accus- toned life of frost, I hoped to over come many of the natural personal barriers to the success of Arctic ex- petitions.
 One Degree in Three Days.
 By dead reckoning our position was latitude S2 deg. 23 min, longitude 95 deg IA min A study of the ice seem- ed to indicate that we had passed be- yond the zone of ice crushed by the influence of land pressure. Behind were great hummocks and small ice, ahead was a cheerful expanse of larger foes. Using the accumulated vigor of man and beast we had ad- vanced a degree of latitude in three days. Our destination was about four hundred and sixty miles beyond
 But our life had assumed quite an other aspect. Previously we permitted ourselves some luxuries. A pound of coal oil and a good deal of musk OK tal- low were burned each day to heat the igloo and to cook abundant food. Extra meals were served when an occasion called for it and each man ate and drank all he desired. If the stockings or the mittens were wet there was fire enough to dry them out but all of this must now be changed.
 There was a short daily allowance of food and fuel-one pound of pemmi- can per day for the dogs, about the same for men, with just a taste of other things. Fortunately we were well stuffed for the race with fresh meat in the lucky run through game lands.
 At first no great hardship followed the changed routine. We filled up suf- ficiently on two cold meals and used supernuous bodily tissue. It was no longer possible to jump on the sled for an occasional breathing spell. as we had done along the land. With over loaded s.eds the drivers must push and pull at the sleds to aid the dogs and I searched the troubled ice for an easy route, cutting here and there with the ice axe to permit the passing of the sleds.
 Stripped for the Race.
 We were finally stripped for the race: man and dog must walk along together through storms and frost for that elusive pivot. Success or failure depended mostly upon our ability to transport nourishment and to keep up the muscular strength for a prolonged period.
 As we awoke on the following morn ing and peeped out of the eye port the sun was edging along the northeast. throwing a warm orange glow on us that gladdened our hearts. The tenn perature was 63 degrees below zero