“How long do you expect to be gone?” asked Professor Jeffer, with increased interest.
“I don’t know exactly—perhaps two years.”
“Two years—in the land of ice and snow!” cried Andy. “That’s a pretty long trip.”
“Yes, but I have planned to do a great deal,” answered Barwell Dawson. “As I stated before, I don’t want to say too much about it yet, for if I do, I’ll have all sorts of curiosity seekers at my heels. If some folks knew what I had in mind to do, they’d be crazy to be taken along.”
“Well, I presume I am one of the crazy ones,” returned Professor Jeffer.
“With you, Professor, it is different. You have been to the far north, and know what to expect,—and besides, you are learned, and your knowledge might prove valuable.”
“Ah! then you will agree that I shall go?” demanded the scientist, eagerly.
“That depends. I have not told you all yet. I am going to the far north to hunt, but I am likewise going for something else—something of greater importance.”
“And that is?” asked the professor, while the boys listened in wonder.
“I am going to try to reach the North Pole.”