"But you are not De Long."
And for the rest of the day Lloyd noted with a sinking heart that Bennett was unusually thoughtful and preoccupied. She said nothing, and was studious to avoid breaking in upon his reflections, whatever they might be. She kept out of his way as much as possible, but left upon his desk, as if by accident, a copy of a pamphlet issued by a geographical society, open at an article upon the future of exploration within the arctic circle. At supper that night Bennett suddenly broke in upon a rather prolonged silence with:
"It's all in the ship. Build a ship strong enough to withstand lateral pressure of the ice and the whole thing becomes easy."
Lloyd yawned and stirred her tea indifferently as she answered:
"Yes, but you know that can't be done."
Bennett frowned thoughtfully, drumming upon the table.
"I'll wager I could build one."
"But it's not the ship alone. It's the man. Whom would you get to command your ship?"
Bennett stared.
"Why, I would take her, of course."