"Yes," said Hatteras, "but all have not performed this duty. Some have given way! Still, they must be pardoned, both who were treacherous, and those who were led away to it! Poor men! I forgive them. You understand me, Doctor?"
"Yes," answered the doctor, who was very uneasy at Hatteras's excitement.
"So," went on the captain, "I don't want them to lose the money they came so far to seek. No, I shall not alter my plan; they shall be rich,—if they ever see England again!"
Few could have withstood the tenderness with which Hatteras spoke these last words.
"But, Captain," said Johnson, with an effort at pleasantry, "one would say you were making your will."
"Perhaps I am," answered Hatteras, seriously.
"Still you have before you a long and glorious life," continued the old sailor.
"Who can say?" said Hatteras.
A long silence followed these words. The doctor did not dare to try to interpret the last remark. But Hatteras soon expressed his meaning, for in a hasty, hardly restrained voice, he went on:—
"My friends, listen to me. We have done a good deal so far, and yet there is a good deal to do."