"In that case, you must take the law in your own hands, and build a vessel in spite of him."
"I wish to goodness he would refuse, then!"
"He must be asked before he can refuse. I'll undertake the asking," said Clawbonny.
He kept his word, for that very same night, at supper, he managed to turn the conversation towards the subject of making excursions during summer for hydrographical purposes.
"You will join us, I suppose, Altamont," he said.
"Of course," replied the American. "We must know how far New America extends."
Hatteras looked fixedly at his rival, but said nothing.
"And for that purpose," continued Altamont, "we had better build a little ship out of the remains of the Porpoise. It is the best possible use we can make of her."
"You hear, Bell," said the Doctor, eagerly. "We'll all set to work to-morrow morning."
[Illustration: The carpenter began his task immediately.-P.154]