"Hurrah! hurrah!" cried Johnson, who could hardly trust his eyes. "O Doctor, Doctor!"
The old sailor could not restrain his joy; he was coming and going like a madman. The doctor had returned to the house; a few minutes later the stove was roaring, and soon a delicious odor of cooking aroused Bell from his torpor. It may be easily imagined how the feast was enjoyed; still the doctor advised his friends to partake in moderation; he set an example, and while eating he again began to talk.
"To-day is a lucky day," he said; "we have food enough for our journey. But we mustn't fall asleep in the delights of Capua, and we'd better start out again."
"We can't be more than forty-eight hours from the Porpoise," said Altamont, who could now begin to speak once more.
"I hope," said the doctor, smiling, "that we shall find material for a fire there."
"Yes," said the American.
"For, if my ice lens is good," continued the doctor, "there would still be something desired on cloudy days, and there are many of them less than four degrees from the Pole."
"True!" said Altamont with a sigh, "less than four degrees! My ship has gone nearer than any yet has been!"[*]
"Forward!" said Hatteras, quickly.