The Mountains Of Madness
CHAPTER II (Part 1)
I suppose, the once again popular imagination responds actively to our wireless newsletter on the Lake starting from the northwest to areas never stepped on by human feet or penetrated by human imagination; though we did not mention his wild hopes of revolutionizing the entire biological and geological sciences. The early journey of the sled and bored it on January 11-18 with Pabodie and the other five — was marred by the loss of two dogs in annoyance when crossing one of the large pressurized ridge inside the ice — it has brought in more and more Archaean slates; and even I am intrigued by the many obvious signs of fossils in that incredible ancient layer. However, these signs are very primitive life forms that do not involve a great paradox except that any life forms should appear in definite pre-Cambrian rocks as they appear; therefore I still fail to see a good feeling of Lake's demand for interludes in our time-saving program — interludes that require the use of all four planes, many men, and the whole expedition mechanical device. In the end, I did not veto the plan; although I decided not to accompany the northwest side even though Lake asked for my geological advice. While they were away, I would remain at the base with Pabodie and the five men and draw up a final plan for the eastward shift. In preparation for this transfer, one of the planes has begun to increase the good gasoline supply of McMurdo Sound; but this could wait a while. I continue to be with me with one sled and nine dogs, for it is unwise to be at any time without possible transport in a world that is completely endless with death for many years.
Lake's sub-expedition to the unknown, as everyone will remember, sends its own report from a shortwave transmitter on board; these were simultaneously picked up by our equipment at the southern base and by Arkham at McMurdo Sound, where they were sent to the outside world at wavelengths of up to fifty meters. The beginning was made January 22 at 4 A.M.; and the first wireless message we received came just two hours later, the statement said, when Lake talks about going down and starting a small-scale, boring ice melt at a point about 300 miles from us. Six hours later, a second, highly voluptuous message tells of the frantic work of beavers in which a shallow shaft has been sunk and destroyed; culminating in the discovery of slate fragments with some roughly like markings that have caused the original confusion.
Three hours later a brief bulletin announced the resumption of flights in the raw, piercing teeth of the storm; and as I sent a protest message against further danger, Lake responded briefly that his new specimen made any danger worth taking. I saw that his excitement had reached the point of rebellion, and that I could do nothing to examine the great risk of the success of this entire expedition; but it was horrifying to think of him plunging deeper and deeper into the devastation and white of the white storm and the unexpected mystery that stretched for about 1500 miles to the half-shoreline half of Queen Mary and Knox Lands.
Then, in about an hour and a half, came a joyous message from Lake's moving plane that almost reversed my feelings and made me wish I had accompanied the party.
“10:05 P.M. On the wings. After the blizzard, it had been spying on the mountains in front of it which was higher than it had been seen before. It can match the Himalayas allowing for high altitude. Latitude Probability 76 ° 15′, Longitude 113 ° 10′ E. Reach as far as can be seen to the right and left. Alleged two smoking cones. All the peaks were black and empty of snow. Gale blew them off navigation. "
After that Pabodie, the men, and I were panting on the phone. To think of this gigantic mountain fortress 700 miles away has inflames our deepest sense of adventure; and we rejoice that our expedition, if not ourselves, was the inventor. In half an hour Lake called us again.
Although technically a bedtime, none of us listeners think for a moment of retirement. Must be much the same in McMurdo Sound, where the supply cache and Arkham also get the message; to the Captain. Douglas gave the phone to congratulate everyone on an important discovery, and Sherman, the cache operator, supported his sentiment. Of course we are sorry about the damaged plane; but hope it can be easily repaired. Then, at 11pm, came another call from Lake.
“Wake up with Carroll on the highest foothills. Don't you dare try a very high peak in the current weather, but it will later. The work climb is daunting, and it is difficult to reach these heights, but worth it. The incredible range was quite solid, hence it could not catch a glimpse of anything. The main peak exceeds the Himalayas, and is very strange. Its range looks like a pre-Cambrian slate, with plain markings of many other up-and-coming strata. Wrong about volcanism. Go further in any direction than we can see. Keep away from snow above about 21,000 feet. Strange formations on the highest mountain slopes. Large low square blocks with exactly vertical sides, and rectangular lines of low vertical forts, such as ancient Asian castles clinging to steep mountains in Roerich's paintings. Impressive from a distance. It flew close to a few people, and Carroll thought it was formed from smaller, smaller pieces, but it was probably weather-resistant. Most of the edges were shattered and rounded as if exposed to storms and climate change over millions of years. The parts, especially the upper part, appear to be of lighter-colored rock than the strata seen on the right slope, hence the apparent origin of the crystals. The flying cover shows many mouth-caves, some unusually regular, square or semicircular lines. You should come and investigate. I saw the fort at the top of one peak. It was about 30,000 to 35,000 feet tall. Already awakened 21,500 by himself, within the demon gnawing coldly. Roll whistles and pipes through the gaps in and out of the cave, but so far there is no danger of flying. ”
The Elder