"Our last," said Hatteras, with the intonation of people who are dreaming aloud; "yes, the last, indeed. But also," he continued with great animation, "the most wonderful!"
He spoke in this way, rubbing his hands over his brow as if to allay its throbbing. At that moment, Altamont, Johnson, and Bell joined him; Hatteras appeared to awaken from his revery.
| "Hatteras appeared to wake from his revery." |
"My friends," he said with emotion, "thanks for your courage, thanks for your perseverance, thanks for your superhuman efforts, which have allowed us to set foot on this land!"
"Captain!" said Johnson, "we have only obeyed; all the honor is due to you alone!"
"No, no!" resumed Hatteras with emotion; "to you as much as to me! to Altamont as well as to all of us! as to the doctor himself— O, let my heart well over in your hands! It can no longer restrain its joy and gratitude!"
Hatteras clasped the hands of his companions. He walked to and fro, no longer master of himself.
"We have only done our duty as Englishmen," said Bell.
"Our duty as friends," continued the doctor.