At last he stopped, on April 6th, to take another observation. This showed him to be within a few miles of the Pole, and if he went wild with joy, who can blame him? He called to those with him, and away they went over the ice, paying no heed to the keen wind that cut like a knife. And then came the supreme moment of joy. The North Pole was gained--the height of his ambition had at last been realized. He really and truly stood upon the Top of the World. It was to him the moment of moments, and yet he could not realize it, for it all seemed so commonplace. At the Pole it did not look different from what it did for miles around the sought-for spot. All was a field of ice and snow, vast and desolate. Thirty hours were spent at and around the Pole, taking observations and photographs, and in planting the Stars and Stripes, and also some records. Then Commander Peary started back, to break the news of his success to a world that had just been astonished by the reports of Dr. Cook's achievements of the year before. It was but a few hours after the professor had made the announcement that they had but sixty-eight miles more to cover that the party under Barwell Dawson came to another lead. It was wide and of great depth, as a sounding proved, and how to cross this became the next problem. Even Olalola shook his head. "There is no end to it," he said, sadly. "I go with you, but how?" "We must find a way," answered the explorer, and he and Chet went out on a tour of discovery. They came back discouraged, and that night all rested on the edge of the lead, wondering what they should do next. At last Barwell Dawson called the boys and the professor to him. "I think it best that we make the rest of the journey alone," said he. "We can take the best of the dogs, and the best sledge, and try to make a quick dash, leaving the others here to await our return. What do you say?" The boys were willing to do anything, and the professor was of a like turn of mind. "But how are you going to get over the lead?" asked Andy. "I'll find some kind of a way," answered the explorer. The matter was explained to Olalola. He was sorry to have them leave him, but promised faithfully to look after the camp, and after Dr. Slade, who was still ill, while they were gone. He said that by following the lead westward, they might be able to cross it. "I think so myself," answered Mr. Dawson. The start was made early the next day, Andy and Chet taking turns at driving the six dogs, the pick of what were left of the pack. The course was along the lead westward, and after a mile had been covered, they reached a spot where some new ice covered the water. "Do you think it will hold us?" asked Andy. "I'll test it and see," was Mr. Dawson's reply. After an examination the explorer came to the conclusion that they might risk the new ice. "But we must go over it quickly," he cautioned. "Don't let the dogs stop."