"The Porpoise!" said the doctor.
"I don't know any ship of that name frequenting these seas," said Hatteras.
"It is evident," continued the doctor, "that some sailors, or perhaps some shipwrecked fellows, have passed here within the last two months."
"That's certain," said Bell.
"What shall we do?" asked the doctor.
"Continue our route," said Hatteras coldly. "I don't know anything about the Porpoise, but I do know that the Forward is waiting for our return."
CHAPTER XXXI
THE DEATH OF SIMPSON
The travellers went on their weary way, each thinking of the discovery they had just made. Hatteras frowned with uneasiness.