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with the dogs while the moon is shining. In our winter quarters there is, however, much to be done, and we shall certainly do our best to lead a cheerful life.

I have already said that we have a snug saloon to live in, and we have electric light to make us forget the absent sun. But many will perhaps ask how we shall get the necessary power to produce the electricity, as we could not afford to burn coal for that purpose. This is not, however, so very complicated. On one hand we have the wind, and by the help of a big windmill we shall be able to work the dynamo, and by help of our accumulators we shall be able to store up electricity for some time when we get a gale. But when there is no wind, we have ourselves. We are thirteen men, and when a capstan is arranged on deck, we shall be able to do work similar to that which a horse does in its horse-mill on land. In this capstan four men take their turn at a time; thus we shall obtain good and regular exercise, and be useful at the same time. When the sun disappears and the long night comes on, we shall take our walk in a ring on the deck of the Fram to produce our own sun. In this way man must conquer Nature. But I dare not say for certain that we shall not long for the natural sun, and look eagerly forward to its appearance again in the dawn of spring. Then it will rise slowly and majestically, over the horizon, and pour its blessed light into our souls.

Upon the whole we shall lead quite a pleasant life as long as we have the ship, but it may be that in spite of all precautions she may be lost. It will certainly be a sad moment when we shall have to say farewell to our dear Fram, but we shall be able to go on all the same. We have many