“Just a minute, fellows,” said Harry. “Here comes Gilbert Mathews. I’d like to have you meet him.”
The commander of the Neptune was tall and broad-shouldered. His walk was vigorous and he was hatless. His brown hair was slightly gray at the temples and he might be anywhere from 35 to 45 years old.
“Hello, Harry,” he said as he came up. “Your radio equipment all ready?”
“Everything’s tested and in fine shape,” replied the radio operator. “I’d like to have you meet my friends.”
“Delighted,” said the explorer, and he greeted Blatz, Bert and Andy cordially.
“I’ve had some very pleasant conferences with your father,” he told Andy. “Will we meet at the North pole this summer?”
“I sincerely hope so,” replied Andy. “Bert is chief radio operator on the Goliath and I will make the trip as assistant to Captain Harkins.”
“Then I am sure that we will meet again,” replied Mathews. He turned to Harry.
“Did the orders reach you at your hotel before you left this morning?” he asked.
“No sir,” replied Harry.