This disease, this "polar madness," pursued its course quietly, presenting no particular symptom, when Dr. Clawbonny, who often visited his poor patient, was struck by his singular manner.
For some time Captain Hatteras, followed by his faithful dog, that used to gaze at him sadly, would walk for hours every day; but he always walked in one way, in the direction of a certain path. When he had reached the end, he would return, walking backwards. If any one stopped him, he would point his finger at a portion of the sky. If any one tried to make him turn round, he grew angry, and Duke would show his anger and bark furiously.
The doctor observed carefully this odd mania; he understood the motive of this strange obstinacy; he guessed the reason of this walk always in the same direction, and, so to speak, under the influence of a magnetic force.
Captain John Hatteras was always walking towards the north.
FINIS.
University Press, Cambridge: Printed by Welch, Bigelow, & Co.
Transcriber's notes on inconsistencies, errors and corrections.
Table of Contents: Part II., Chapter X., "The Pleasure of Winter Quarters" is corrected to "The Pleasures of Winter-Quarters" to match the chapter title.