Thus far Professor Gaston was delighted with the result of the trip.
“Even if we never reach the other pole,” he declared, “we have accomplished enough now to place our names high upon the scroll of fame.”
But Frank said:
“Have no fear, professor. We are going to reach the Arctic and make what is really a circumnavigation of the globe.”
“And all the way in the air!” cried the professor. “Most wonderful of experiences is this!”
Vast areas of frozen country were passed over. Days of sailing above this desolate waste followed.
And every day Professor Gaston took a new observation. Every day he declared that they were growing nearer the Pole.
“I have a great curiosity,” he declared. “You know it is a commonly accepted belief that the region about the South Pole is very open and warm. That in fact ice does not exist there at all!”
“I believe that is true,” declared Frank. “The most extensive volcanic region in the world, I believe, lies adjacent to the South Pole.”
“We shall see.”