"I know it," answered the doctor; "and that is a great pity, because the rays of the sun are strong enough to kindle tinder."
"Well," answered Hatteras, "we must satisfy our hunger with this raw meat; then we shall resume our march and we shall try to reach the ship."
"Yes," said the doctor, buried in reflection; "yes, we could do that if we had to. Why not? We might try—"
"What are you thinking of?" asked Hatteras.
"An idea which has just occurred to me—"
"An idea," said Johnson; "one of your ideas! Then we are saved!"
"It's a question," answered the doctor, "whether it will succeed."
"What is your plan?" said Hatteras.
"We have no lens; well, we will make one."
"How?" asked Johnson.