"I'm going back home--to have another look for those missing papers," said Andy. "Besides, I want to bring away the rest of my things, and nail up the cabin." "And I'll go along," said Chet. "I want to get my things, too. About the cabin, I don't care much what becomes of it, for it has seen its best days." The two boys spent three days in the vicinity of Pine Run. During that time both went out twice to look for the documents Andy had lost, but without success. "They are gone, and I'll have to make the best of it," said Andy, with a deep sigh. The two boys packed up what few things they wished to take along, and then each cabin was nailed up tightly. Both wondered if they would ever see the places again. "Maybe we'll never come back from the far north," said Chet. "Are you afraid, Chet?" demanded Andy, quickly. "Not a bit of it. Just the same, we may never see Maine again. What happened to my father may happen to us." Professor Jeffer had come back also, to ship his case of scientific instruments, and also another case of books. The professor did not want much in the way of clothing, but it would have been a real hardship had he been deprived of his other belongings. "The success of this trip will depend upon accurate scientific observations," said he to the boys, when on the return to Rathley. "It is all well enough to hunt, and even to reach the North Pole, but of what use is it if we cannot return with full data of what we have observed?" "You are right, Professor," answered Andy. "But your instruments are beyond me." "I will teach you how to use some of them, after we are on board ship. There will be many days when you boys will have little to do, and it will be an excellent opportunity to improve your minds." "Well, I wouldn't mind a little more education," said Chet, bluntly. "I'll be pleased to teach you, my boy. I was once a schoolmaster--although that was years ago." "Professor, do you really think we'll reach the Pole?" asked Andy, earnestly. "I do not think; I hope. Many have tried and failed, but I believe the Pole will be gained some day, and we'll have an excellent chance of success. Mr. Dawson is a wonderful man--he seems more wonderful every time I talk to him. He is fitting up his ship with the greatest possible care and forethought, and has made a deep study of polar conditions. Besides, he has had practical experience on the fields of ice and snow, and knows just what to expect in the way of hardships." The run to Rathley was made in less than two hours. It had been decided that the party should put up at a hotel for a few days, until some painting on board the _Ice King_ was finished. Then they were to go aboard and make themselves at home as best they could until the day set for the departure. They reached the hotel in the evening, and that night all slept soundly. In the morning, after breakfast, Chet suggested they walk down to the steamer and see how the painting was progressing.