Norwich bulletin., 1909-10-02
T' NINTH INSTALMENT
THE CONQUEST OF THE POLE.
Rv pr. Frederick A. Cook.

qua III dccOrudnCe Wllu Ine COpyTlSHt Act Copyright in Mexico under the laws of the Republic of Mexico. All Rights Reserved.)
 Awakened in the course of few hours by drifts of snow about our feet 1t was noted that the wind had bur rowed holes in the weak spots through the snow wall Still, we were bound not to be cheated out of a few hours sleep, and with one eye open we turn ed over. Later I was awakened by falling snow blocks.
 Forcing my head out of the ice en- cased hood, I saw that the dome had been swept away and that we were being buried under a dangerous weight of snow. In some way I had tossed about sufficiently during sleep to keep on top of the accommodating drift, but my companions were out of sight and did not respond to a loud call.
 After another search a blowhole was located, and in reponse to another call came Eskimo shouts. Violent efforts were made to free their bags, but the snow settled on them tighter with each tussle.
 I was surprised few moments later as I was digging their breathing place open to feel them burrowing through the snow. They had entered the bag without undressing and half emerged with shirt and pants on, but with bare feet.
 After a little more digging their boots were uncovered, and then, with protected feet the bag was freed and placed to the side of the igloo roll ed out to their side in my bag.
 Move On, Refreshed.
 The air came in hissing spouts, like jets Of steam from an engine, but soon after noon of the 29th the ice under our heads frightened. It became pos sible to breathe without being choked with floating crystals, and as the ice about the facial furs was broken a lit- tie blue was detected in the west.
 The dogs were freed of snow entan- elements and fed, and a shelter was made in which to melt snow and make tea. A double ration was eaten and then the sleds began to move again.
 Soon the sun burst through the sep arating clouds and raised icy spires in towers of glitter The wind then ceased entirely and a scene of crystal glory was laid over the storm swept fields. With full stomachs, fair wealth CT and a much needed rest we moved with Inspirations anew. Indeed, we felt refreshed as one does after cold bath.
 The pack had been much disturbed and considerable time and distance was lObL III ScthllS d MOIhdDlC llIlG OI U dN- el. Camping at midnight, we had only made nine miles for days effort.
 Awakening in time for observations on the morning of the 30th, the wealth. CT was found beautifully clear. The fog, which had consistently screened the west, had vanished; and land was discovered at some distance west ex- tending parallel to the line of march. The observations placed us at latitude S4 deg. 50 min, longitude 95 deg. 36 min.
 In the occasional clearing spells for several days we had seen sharply de- fined land clouds drifting over a low band of pearly fog and we had ex- pected to see land when this veil lift ed. We had, however, not anticipated 10 see SD long a line of coast. Tae land as we saw it gave the impression of being two islands, but our observa- tions were insufficient to warrant such m assertion. They may be islands, they may be part of larger land ex- ending far to the west. What was seen of the most southerly coast extends from 83 deg. 20 min. to S3 deg. 31 min., close to the 102d meridian.
 This land has an irregular moun- tainous sky line, is perhaps eighteen hundred feet high, and resembles in it's upper reaches the high lands of Heiberg Island. The lower shore line was at no time visible.
 From S4 deg.- 23 min., extending to S5 deg. Il min, close to the 1O2d me- ridian, the coast is quite straight. Its upper surface is fiat and mostly ice capped. rising in steep cliffs to about twelve hundred feet. The lower sur face was so distinctly seen that we were unable to detect glacial streams or ice walls. Both lands were hope leSsly buried under accumulated snows
 We were eager to set foot on the nswly discovered coast, for we believ- ed then, as proved by later experience, that these were the earth's northern most rocks, but the pressing need for rapid advances In the aim of our mis- sion did not permit of detours. Resolu- tions were reinforced and energy was harbored to press onward for the pole in an air line.
 Fair Marches Made.
 Early observations. however, indicat- ed an easterly drift, and a westerly course must be continuously forced to counterbalance the movement. A cur tain was drawn over the land in the afternoon of March 31st, and we saw no more of it. Day after day we now pushed alo'ig in desperate north ward efforts. Strong winds and frac- tured, irregular ice increased the diffi-
 
 In one way or other we managed to gain a fair march between storms dur ing each twenty-four hours. In an oc- casional spell of stiffness mirages spread ecreens of fantasy out for our entertainment. Curious cliffs, odd shaped mountains and inverted ice walls were displayed in attractive col ors. Discoveries were made often, but with clearer horizon the deception was detected.
 On April the barometer remained steady and the thermometer sank. The weather became settled and clear. The pack became a more permanent glitter of color and jay. At noon there was now a dazzling light, while the sun at midnight sank for but few moments under a persistent uortherly haze, leaving the frosted blues bathed in monday splendor.
 In these days we made long marches. The ice steadily improved. Fields be- came larger and thicker, the pressure lines less frequent and less trouble some. Nothing changed materially; the horizon moved, our footing was seemingly a solid crust of ice, but it shifted eastward; all was in motion. Often we were too tired to build snow houses. and in sheer exhaustion we bivouacked in the lee of hummocks. Here the overworked bodies called for sleep, but the mind refused to close the eye.
 In Lifeless World.
 There was a weird attraction in the