The faithful dog barked as if he understood, and settled himself down beside his master. Johnson looked at the Doctor, who seemed at a loss to know what to do, but came to the conclusion at last that the best way, meantime, was to calm Hatteras, even at the sacrifice of a day. He was just about to try the force of his eloquence in this direction, when he felt a light touch on his arm, and turning round saw Altamont who had crawled out of bed and managed to get on his knees. He was trying to speak, but his swollen lips could scarcely make a sound. Hatteras went towards him, and watched his efforts to articulate so attentively that in a few minutes he made out a word that sounded like Porpoise, and stooping over him he asked-
"Is it the Porpoise?"
Altamont made a sign in the affirmative, and Hatteras went on with his queries, now that he had found a clue.
"In these seas?"
The affirmative gesture was repeated.
"Is she in the north?"
"Yes."
"Do you know her position?"
"Yes."
"Exactly?"