“I am footing the bill, yes.”
“It will cost a large amount of money.”
“I guess I can afford it. I am fairly well-to-do, and last year an uncle died and left me several hundred thousand dollars.”
“I see—very good.” Professor Jeffer rubbed his hands together. “It is a grand thing to be able to gratify one’s wish in this manner. Now, I have a little money, but not enough to fit out such an expedition as you mention. Still, I’d like very much to go north again.”
“Could you stand the trip?”
“Me? Why, sir, I am as strong as iron,—you can ask Captain Welber about it. I withstood the cold and the hardships long after some of the others succumbed. I am a little weak just now—the effects of that foolhardy experiment,—but by tomorrow I’ll be as well and strong as ever. Why, sir, I can tramp twenty or thirty miles a day with ease, and I can go forty-eight hours without food if it is necessary.”
“Are you anything of a hunter?”
“Yes. Since I came to Maine I have done considerable shooting.”
“Indeed he has,” broke in Chet. “I’ve been with him, and I know of three first-class shots that he made.”
“Any one who is to go with me must be a good shot, and must be able to withstand great hardships,” pursued Barwell Dawson.