Bell, aroused by these words, obeyed the old sailor.
"Meanwhile," Johnson went on, "the doctor will be good enough to go to the sledge and bring it back with the dogs."
"I am ready," answered the doctor; "in an hour I shall be back."
"Shall you go too, Captain?" added Johnson, turning to Hatteras.
Although he was deep in thought, the captain heard the boatswain's question, for he answered gently,—
"No, my friend, if the doctor is willing to go alone. We must form some plan of action, and I want to be alone to think matters over. Go. Do what you think right for the present. I will be thinking of the future."
Johnson turned to the doctor.
"It's singular," he said; "the captain seems to have forgotten his anger; his voice never was so gentle before."
"Well!" answered the doctor; "he has recovered his presence of mind. Mark my words, Johnson, that man will be able to save us!"