"Well, what difference does that make?"
"The whole," answered the American. "Did MacClure's ship make the passage?"
"No," answered the doctor, "for after a fourth winter, MacClure was obliged to leave it in the ice."
"Well, in a sea-voyage it's important to have the ship reach her destination. If the Northwest Passage ever becomes practicable, it must be for ships and not for sledges. The ship must accomplish the voyage, or if not the ship, the launch."
"The launch!" shouted Hatteras, who detected the hidden meaning in the American's words.
"Altamont," said the doctor, hurriedly, "you make a puerile distinction, and we all consider you wrong."
"That is easy, gentlemen," answered the American; "you are four to one. But that won't keep me from holding my own opinion."
"Keep it," said Hatteras, "and so closely that we need hear nothing about it."
"And what right have you to speak to me in that way?" asked the American in a rage.
"My right as captain," answered Hatteras.