"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. "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." CHAPTER IX SOMETHING ABOUT THE NORTH POLE It was with much amazement that Andy and Chet, as well as Professor Upham Jeffer, listened to the words of Barwell Dawson. "Going to try to reach the North Pole!" repeated Andy. "Yes." "It's never been done--at least, not by anybody who came back alive," said Chet. "A grand project, nevertheless," were Professor Jeffer's words. "A truly grand project. But have you counted the cost?--I do not mean in money. It may cost you your life."