So that day passed. In that evening, while his companions lay inert, Johnson had a sort of hallucination; he dreamed of an immense bear. That word, which he kept repeating, attracted the doctor's attention, so that he shook himself free from his stupor, and asked the old sailor why he kept talking about a bear, and what bear he meant.
"The bear which is following us," answered Johnson.
"The bear which is following us?" repeated the doctor.
"Yes, the last two days."
"The last two days! Have you seen him?"
"Yes, he's a mile to leeward."
"And you didn't tell us, Johnson?"
"What was the use?"
"True," said the doctor; "we have no ball to fire at him."
"Not a slug, a bit of iron, nor a bolt!" said the old sailor.