"I have no wish, therefore," continued the captain, "that they should lose the little fortune they came so far to seek. No, the original agreement is to remain unaltered, and they shall be rich-if they ever see England again."
It would have been difficult not to have been touched by the pathetic tone of voice in which Hatteras said this.
"But, captain," interrupted Johnson, trying to joke, "one would think you were making your will!"
"Perhaps I am," said Hatteras, gravely.
"And yet you have a long bright career of glory before you!"
"Who knows?" was the reply.
No one answered, and the Doctor did not dare to guess his meaning; but Hatteras soon made them understand it, for presently he said, in a hurried, agitated manner, as if he could scarcely command himself-
"Friends, listen to me. We have done much already, but much yet remains to be done."
His companions heard him with profound astonishment.
"Yes," he resumed, "we are close to the Pole, but we are not on it."