A Funny Story

For his expedition to the South Pole, Captain Robert Scott needed much money. He was not a rich man himself, so he had to find people who could give him the money.

First, Scott spoke to David Lloyd George, who was at that time an important member of the British Government. The Captain thought that he could get money from the Government. Lloyd George was not a kind man and many people in England did not like him.

In answer, Lloyd George said that the Government could give him only a small part of the money that he needed for the expedition. Then he gave Captain Scott the address of a very rich man who was interested in Arctic expeditions, and advised him to ask that man to help him with money.

Scott went to that rich man and explained what he wanted.

“Who sent you here to me?” The rich man asked.

When Scott said that it was Lloyd George, the rich man laughed. Then he said: “I can give you fifty thousand pounds if Lloyd George goes with your expedition to the South Pole.” “And if you leave him there, I shall give you another fifty thousand pounds.”