e observations which would be of service."

"But if Sammy finishes the journey himself," she said, "his will be the
glory."

"Let him have it," replied Clewe. "If my method of arctic exploration
solves the great problem of the pole, I shall be satisfied with the
glory I get from the conception. The mere journey to the northern end of
the earth's axis is of slight importance. I shall be glad to have Sammy
go first, and have as many follow him as may choose to travel in that
direction."

"Yet it is a great achievement," said she. "I would give much to be the
first human being who has placed his foot upon the north pole."

"You would get it wet, I am afraid," said Clewe, smiling; "but that is
not the kind of glory I crave. If I can help a man to go there, I shall
be very willing to do so, provided he will make me a favorable report of
his discoveries."

"Tell me all about it," she said--"when will you start? How many will
go?"

"There is some work to be done on that boat," said he. "Let me set
the men at it, and then we will go into the office, and I will lay
everything before you."

When they were seated in a quiet little room attached to one of the
large buildings, Roland Clewe made ready to describe his proposed arctic
expedition to his partner, in whose mind the wonderful enterprise had
entered, driving out the disturbing thoughts of the Artesian ray.

"You have told me about it before," said she, "but I am not quite sure
that I have it all straight in my mind. You will go, I suppose, in a
submarine boat--that is, whoever goes will go in it?"

"Yes," said he, "for part of the way. My plan is to proceed in an
ordinary vessel as far north as Cape Tariff, taking the Dipsey, my
submarine boat, in tow. The exploring party, with the necessary stores
and instruments, will embark on the Dipsey, but before they start they
will make a telegraphic connection with the station at Cape Tariff. The
Dipsey will carry one of those light, portable cables, which will be
wound on a drum in her hold, and this will be paid out as she proceeds
on her way. Thus, you see, by means of the cable from Cape Tariff to St.
Johns, we can be in continual communication with Sammy, no matter where
he may go; for there is no reason to suppose that the ocean in those
northern regions is too deep to allow the successful placing of a
telegraphic cable.

"My plan is a very simple one, but as we have not talked it over for
some time, I will descr