"Never!" exclaimed Hatteras, vehemently.
"Never!" said Johnson.
The Doctor shook his head. He understood the feeling of the captain.
"Never!" reiterated Hatteras. "A boat made out of an American ship would be an American!"
"But, captain--" began Johnson.
The Doctor made a sign to the old boatswain not to press the subject further, and resolved in his own mind to reserve the question for discussion at a more opportune moment. He managed to turn the conversation to other matters, till it abruptly terminated by the entrance of Altamont.
This ended the day, and the night passed quietly without the least disturbance. The bears had evidently disappeared.