"I hope we'll find something there to make a fire with," said the Doctor, smiling. "My lens does well enough at present; but it needs the sun, and there are plenty of days when he does not make his appearance here, within less than seven degrees of the Pole."
"Less than seven degrees!" repeated Altamont, with a sigh; "yes, my ship went further than any other has ever ventured."
"It is time we started," said Hatteras, abruptly.
"Yes," replied the Doctor, glancing uneasily at the two captains.
The dogs were speedily harnessed to the sledge, and the march resumed.
As they went along, the Doctor tried to get out of Alta-mont the real motive that had brought him so far north. But the American made only evasive replies, and Claw-bonny whispered in old Johnson's ear: "Two men we've got that need looking after."
“You are right," said Johnson.
"Hatteras never says a word to this American, and I must say the man has not shown himself very grateful. I am here, fortunately."
"Mr. Clawbonny," said Johnson, "now this Yankee has come back to life again, I must confess I don't much like the expression of his face."
"I am much mistaken if he does not suspect the projects of Hatteras."
"Do you think his own were similar?"
"Who knows! These Americans, Johnson, are bold, daring fellows. It is likely enough an American would try to do as much as an Englishman."
"Then you think that Altamont–––"
"I think nothing about it, but his ship is certainly on the road to the North Pole."
"But didn't Altamont say that he had been caught among the ice, and dragged there irresistibly? "
"He said so, but I fancied there was a peculiar smile on his lips while he spoke."
"Hang it! It would be a bad job, Mr. Clawbonny, if any feeling of rivalry came between two men of their stamp."
"Heaven forfend! for it might involve the most serious consequences, Johnson."
