"Altam..., Porpoise, December 13, 1860, longitude 12..°, latitude 8..° 35'."
"The Porpoise?" said the doctor.
"The Porpoise!" replied Hatteras. "I never heard of a ship of this name in these seas."
"It is clear," resumed the doctor, "that travellers, perhaps shipwrecked sailors, have been here within two months."
"That is sure," said Bell.
"What are we going to do?" asked the doctor.
"Push on," answered Hatteras, coldly. "I don't know anything about any ship called the Porpoise, but I know that the brig Forward is waiting for our return."