Dr. Cook had a great friend in Mr. John R. Bradley, a man of means, who was a well-known traveler and hunter. The two talked the matter over, and decided to fit out a vessel and make a trip as far north as possible. In the main, the project was kept secret, and neither boasted of what they were about to attempt to do. At Gloucester, Mass., they found a ship that suited their purpose, and she was thoroughly overhauled and renamed the _John R. Bradley_. Suitable provisions for a long trip were taken on board, and the vessel left Gloucester harbor July 3, 1907. It did not look at all like a "North Pole" expedition, and its departure excited very little comment. It was thought that Mr. Bradley and Dr. Cook had merely gone off on a hunting trip after bears and walrus. It took until the end of August for the _Bradley_ to reach the upper end of Smith Sound, in Baffin Bay. Here was located the port of Etah, and not many miles away another port called Annootok. All of the provisions and other supplies were landed at the latter port, and then the vessel sailed back to the United States, leaving Dr. Cook and his party to hunt and explore to their hearts' content. The vessel's return created some surprise, and then the word gradually spread that it was possible Dr. Cook would try to reach the North Pole. Mr. Bradley was at once besieged with questions, but gave no definite information. At Annootok Dr. Cook found many Esquimaux assembled, all ready for a great bear hunt. As he could speak their language, he talked to them, and engaged a number of them, with their dogs and sledges, to serve him. Work was at once begun to make Annootok a regular base of supplies. A small house was erected, and also a storehouse and a workshop. All the provisions brought along were packed away, and the explorer obtained from the native hunters large quantities of polar bear meat and other game. And so he set off on his memorable trip northward, and what this brought forth we shall learn later. CHAPTER XVI A TRICK, AND WHAT FOLLOWED "Day after tomorrow we shall set off on our trip to the frozen north." It was Barwell Dawson who made the announcement to the boys and Professor Jeffer, after a long consultation with Captain Williamson. "Good!" shouted Andy, swinging his cap in the air. "Suits me," added Chet. "I've been on pins and needles to go for a month and more." "You mustn't be impatient," replied Mr. Dawson, with a smile. "Even as it is, we'll be getting away nearly a month before I originally planned to go. But I am ready, and so is Captain Williamson, so there is no use in delaying." "What about Mr. Wilson?" asked Andy, referring to a man who had signed for the trip. "He is sick, and cannot go. But Dr. Slade will be on hand, and likewise Mr. Camdal. They sent me a telegram last night." "I suppose all the crew are here?" questioned Professor Jeffer. "To a man--and all as anxious as we are to start." "Do they know we are going to try for the Pole?"