Works of Jules Verne/Adventures of Captain Hatteras/The English at the North Pole/Chapter 27
CHAPTER XXVII
PREPARATIONS FOR DEPARTURE
Captain Hatteras would not acquaint his men with the discovery he had made, and he was right, for there was no knowing into what excesses despair might have led them, had they felt themselves thus irresistibly dragged farther north.
To himself, however, the knowledge of the fact afforded the greatest joy. This was the first happy moment he had known for many long months; but not even to the Doctor did he speak of it, and he had such perfect self-control that his friend never suspected his hidden sentiments, though he sometimes wondered to himself what could make his eye so unusually bright.
By getting nearer the Pole, the Forward had got farther away from the coal-bed mentioned by Sir Edward Belcher, and instead of a hundred miles, it would be necessary to go back at least two hundred and fifty miles. However, after a short consultation with Clawbonny and Johnson, it was resolved to adhere to the project.
They reckoned that the journey would take forty days at the outside, and Johnson undertook to provide all that was necessary.
His first care was the sledge. It was of Greenland make, thirty-five inches wide and twenty-four feet long, made of long planks bent up back and front, and stretched in the form of a bow by strong ropes to give it elasticity. This sledge would run easily over hard ice, but in snowy weather a wooden framework was added, which lifted it a little above the ground. To make it glide along still more smoothly, the bottom was rubbed over, in Esquimaux style, with a mixture of sulphur and snow.
Six dogs were selected as steeds for this equipage—strong, hardy animals, in spite of their lean, skinny appearance, and able to drag 2,000 pounds weight without being over fatigued. The harness was in good condition, and altogether the sledge was a reliable affair.
For camping, a tent was provided, in the event of being unable to construct a snow hut; also a large Mackintosh sheet to spread over the snow, to prevent it from melting by contact with the body; several woolen blankets and buffalo skins, and the Halkett-boat.
The stores consisted of five cases of pemmican, weighing about 450 pounds; twelve gallons of spirits of wine, tea, and biscuit; together with a little "portable kitchen," and a quantity of wicks and tow; besides powder and shot, and two double-barreled guns. Each man, following Captain Parry's example, was provided with an india-rubber belt, in which tea, coffee, and water could be carried, and kept in a liquid state by the heat of the body, accelerated by the motion of walking.
Johnson bestowed special pains on the manufacture of the snow-shoes. These were fixed on wood, and strapped with leather. They served the purpose of skates, but, where the ground was very hard and slippery, deer moccasins were better, and each member of the party was therefore furnished with two pairs of both.
These important preparations occupied four whole days. Every morning Captain Hatteras reckoned his exact position, and found that the ice-fields had ceased moving. It was absolutely necessary to ascertain this for the sake of returning.
Whom to choose for the expedition was the next consideration. This was a matter of deep thought to Hatteras, for many of the men were useless to take; and yet would it be wise to leave them behind? However, since the lives of all depended on the success of the enterprise, he finally decided to take none with him but tried and trusty followers.
Shandon consequently was excluded, but he showed no regrets on that score. James Wall was out of the question, for he could not rise from his hammock.
None of the sick men were getting worse, happily, and as their treatment consisted mainly in constant friction and large doses of lemon-juice, the Doctor's presence was not required. He therefore resolved to head the party, and no one made the faintest protest against his decision.
Johnson was most desirous to accompany the captain in his perilous undertaking; but Hatteras took him aside, and in an affectionate, almost agitated manner, said:
"Johnson, I have no confidence in anyone but yourself; you are the only officer to whom I can entrust my ship. I must know you are here to watch Shandon and the others. Winter has them fast in iron chains, but who knows what wickedness they may be capable of? You shall be furnished with formal instructions to assume command if necessary. You will be my second self. Our absence will extend to four or five weeks at most, and I shall be easy in having you here while I am obliged to be away. You must have wood, Johnson, I know, but as much as possible spare my poor ship. You understand me, Johnson?"
"Yes, captain," said the old sailor, "and I will remain here since it is your wish."
"Thanks!" said Hatteras, grasping his hand warmly. Then he added: "If you do not see us come back, Johnson, wait till the ice breaks up, and try to push farther towards the Pole; but should the others oppose this, don't think of us at all, but take the ship back to England."
"Is this truly your will, captain?"
"My absolute will," replied Hatteras.
"Your commands shall be obeyed," said Johnson simply.
The Doctor felt the loss of his old friend, but he knew Hatteras had decided for the best.
The two others chosen were Bell and Simpson. Bell was in good health, and a brave, devoted fellow, and would be most useful in putting up the tent, and making snow-houses. Simpson was a man of softer mould, but he was willing, and might be serviceable in hunting and fishing.
Thus, then, the detachment consisted of Hatteras, Clawbonny, Bell, Simpson, and the faithful Duk—four men and seven dogs.
During the first few days of January, the temperature remained on the average of 33° below zero. Hatteras eagerly watched for a change of weather, and often consulted the barometer: but in these high latitudes no reliance can be placed on any barometer. When it is high, it often brings snow and rain, and when it is low, fine weather.
At last, on the 5th of January, an east wind brought a temporary rise in the temperature of 15°, and Hatteras resolved to start next day. He was impatient to be off, for he could not bear to see the brig cut to pieces before his eyes. The entire poop had already gone to feed the stove.
On the 6th, therefore, the order to set out was given. The Doctor gave his last injunctions to his patients, and Bell and Simpson shook hands silently with their comrades. Hatteras was about to bid his men "good-by" aloud, but black scowling looks met him on all sides, and he fancied a mocking smile lurked on Shandon's lips. He was silent, and perhaps for an instant hesitated about leaving; but it was too late now to alter his plan. The sledge was packed and harnessed, and Bell had already gone on. The rest of the party followed, and Johnson accompanied them for about a quarter of a mile. Hatteras would not allow him to go farther, so he bade them farewell with many a lingering look, and returned to the brig.