Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-10-19
the game resources Of this region to
feed and fire the expedition en- route
to the lands end.
Splendid Advantages Offered.

Tue Sdut EeoOuECco VI lui5 iCSioh w
feed and fire the expedition en- route
to the lands end.
Splendid Advantages Offered.
II their faith proved correct, 1t Of
fered me series Of advantages de-
MED to every other leader Of polar
expeditions, for the movement would
not only be supplied at the expense Of
the land which 1t explored, but men
and dogs would be taken to the battle
ground in superb training. with their
vigorous bodies nourished by whole
some fresh meat. not the nauseating
laboratory stuff whi:h is usually
crowded into the unwilling stomach.
Furthermore, It afforded me a chance
to test every article Of equipment in
actual field work. and, above all. after
hard campaign Of this kind I could
select with some chance Of success the
most likely winners for the f1nal race
over the circumpolar sea.
A compact was made with the little
men Of the farthest north to push the
venture into the boreal center. When
It was noised about at Etah that prepa
rations were in progress to try for the
pole most Of the men on board the
yacht volunteered to serve.
Captain Bartlett, skipper Of the John
B. Bradley, said that be also would
like to stay; but, IL compelled to re-
turn, he required at least cook and
an engineer to take the yacht back to
Newfoundland.
The situation was eased when the
captain was told that but one man was
wanted. No group of white men could
possibly match the Eskimo In bis own
element. The willing hands Of a tribe
Of 25O people were at my disposal.
More help was not required.
But companion and a general over
seer was In demand for this post.
Rudolph Francke was selected. An
nootok was to be the base Of opera
tions.
But there is no harbor near this VII
lage to facilitate rapid landing OF
supplies. and to hasten the departure
of the yacht on her homeward run
everything for the polar campaign was
brought on deck while the vessel was
still at anchor in Etah. and below all
was prepared for the expected storms
of the return voyage.
Starting For Annootok.
Late In the evening of Sept. the
entire village Of Etah was taken
aboard. the anchor was tripped. and
soon the Bradley's bow put out on the
waters Of Smith sound for Ann0ot0k.
The night was cold and Gear. bright
ened by the charm of color. The sun
had just begun to dip under the north
ern horizon, which marks the end OF
the summer double days Of splendo'
and begins the period Of storms lead
ing into the long night. Early In the
morning we were OF Annootok.
The weather was now changed. A
strong wind came from the sea. With
shallow water. unknown rocks and
much ice drifting about no comfortable
Derth could De I0und IOr the ydcnt. IL
the overloaded decks were to be clear
ed at all 1t must be done quickly.
The launch and all the d0ries were
lowered and filled. Eskimo boats were
pressed into service and loaded. The
boats were towed ashore. Only few
reached Annootok itself. for the wind
increased and troublesome sen made
haste a matter of great Importance.
Things were pitched ashore anywhere
on the rocks where landing could he
found for the boats.
The splendid efficiency Of the launch
proved equal to the emergency. and In
the course Of about three hours all wis
safely put on shore in spite OF threat
ening winds and forbldding seas.