Consequently it was his opinion that if the pole should be discovered, the discoverers should take possession of it in the name of their country.

Every one on board--except Sarah Block, who had something to say about the old proverb concerning the counting of chickens before they are hatched--thought this a good idea, and when the plan was submitted to Mr.Clewe and Mrs.Raleigh, they heartily approved.
Preparations were now made to take possession of the pole if they should reach it on the water.

On the after-part of the deck a ring about three feet in diameter was marked, and it was arranged that when they had ascertained, by the most accurate observations and calculations, the exact position of the pole, they would so guide their vessel that this ring should be as nearly as possible directly over it.

Then one of the party should step inside of the ring and take possession of the pole.
After this the buoy would be anchored, and their intended scientific observations and explorations would proceed.
It was supposed both on the Dipsey and at Sardis that Mr.Gibbs would assume the honor of this act of taking possession, but that gentleman declined to do so.

He considered that he would no more discover the pole, if they should reach it, than would his companions; and he also believed that, from a broad point of view, Mr.Roland Clewe was the real discoverer.