What a feast this meal was to the poor starving men may be imagined. The Doctor, however, counselled moderation in eating, and set the example himself.
"This is a glad day for us," he said, "and we have no fear of wanting food all the rest of our journey. Still we must not forget we have further to go yet, and I think the sooner we start the better."
"We cannot be far off now," said Altamont, who could almost articulate perfectly again; "we must be within forty-eight hours' march of the Porpoise."
"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 four degrees of the pole."
"Less than four 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. [Illustration: ]
As they went along, the Doctor tried to get out of Altamont the real motive that had brought him so far north. But the American made only evasive replies, and Clawbonny whispered in old Johnson's ear--
"Two men we've got that need looking after."
"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."
"Who knows? These Americans, Johnson, are bold, daring fellows. It is likely enough an American would try to do as much as an Englishman."
"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."