Arqtiq: A Study of the Marvels at the North Pole

By MRS. ANNA ADOLPH
PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR
1899
Copyrighted, 1899
ARQTIQ.
Always fond of the marvelous, I conceived a strong desire to go to the North Pole.
To obviate the dangers of the trip I invented a coach, that was also ship and balloon. Its silken canopy is inflatable to strong wings or wide sails. Its wheels are wide rimmed, to glide over snow, and paneled for water paddles. When it is finished and stored I select some friends to accompany me. My most personal loved ones. A volatile fair-haired gent—my husband, and a fair-haired little maiden friend, sit on the front seat. On the back seat are sitting my aged father and myself, our black eyes snapping with expectation.
Waving my hands to the few gathered to see us off, I say: “This undertaking is of desire to gain knowledge. Success, surmounting all obstacles will take us to the summit of the round earth, where, ages past as ages future will accord us first record.”
Charley turns levers to start, as little Mae’s mamma says: “You will be the Mascot, Mae Searles. But I do not think you will go very far,” dubiously.
“You will change your mind, mamma, when I bring you home a little bear,” makes us laugh.
“I will be glad to get you for my little bear.”
“All the rest of us,” I answered, “will take care of her.”