Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-10-22

vantage of the Americans absence to talk
business. There are things which cannot
concern him, and with which / do not
choose him to meddle."
johnson and Clawbonny looked at each
other, wondering what the captain was
driving at.
IT wish" he continued, ''to talk with
you about our plans for the future"
"All right; talk away, while we are
alone" said the doctor.
In a month or six weeks at the outside,
we can leave here. Have you thought of
what we had better do this summer"
Have you, captain?' asked Johnson.
Have /? Not an hour of my life passes
without revolving in my mind one cher
ished purpose. 1 suppose not man
among you intends to retrace his steps?"
No one replied, and Hatteras went on
to say:
For my own part. even If 1 must
go alone, I will push on to the north
pole. Never were men so near it before,
for we are not more than $50 miles distant
at most; and will not lose such an OPP
portunity without making every attemp.
to reach it. Even though 1t be impossible
What are your views, doctor?"
Your own, Hatteras.''
And yours, Johnson2"
Like the Doctors"
And yours, Bell?''
Captain" replied the carpenter, cit
is true we have neither wives nor chill
dren waiting US In England, but, after
all, IL is ones country-ones native land!
Have you no thoughts of returning
homer
I'VE can return after we have discov-
cred the pole quite as we'll as before,
better even. Our difficulties will not in
crease. for as we near the pole we get
away from the point of greatest cold. We
have fuel and provisions enough. There
is nothing to stop us, and we should be
culpable, in my opinion, If we allowed
ourselves to abandon the project"
Very we'll, captain; I'll go along with
you"
That's right; I never doubted you,"
said Hatteras. I'VE shall succeed, and
England will have all the glory"
said Johnson.
ct know it!' he said sternly.
I'VE can't leave him behind" added the
doctor
mo, we can't" repeated Hatteras al
most mechanically.
"And he will be sure to go, too"
He will be sure to go, too, but who
will commando"
the Yankee refuse?"
II shouldn't think so; but suppose he
should, what thenT'
He and I must fight 1t out"
The three Englishmen looked at HATTIE
ras, but said nothing. Then the doctor
asked how they were to go.
( by the coast, as far as possible" was
the reply. y
But what If we find open water. as is
likely enough?"
well. Wen go cross it,
But we have no boat"
Hatteras did not answer, and looked
embarrassed.
Perhaps" suggested Bell, I'VE might
make a ship out of some of the planks
of the Porpoise."
"Never!" exclaimed Hatteras, vehe-
mently.
"Never?' said johnson.
The doctor shook his head. He under
stood the feeling Of the captain.
"Never!" reiterated Hatteras "A boat
made out Of an American ship would be
an American
but aptain"-began Johnson.
The doctor made sign to the old boat
swain not to press the subject further.
This ended the day, and the night pass
ed without disturbance. The bears had
evidently disappeared.
The first business next day was to ar
/ range for a hunt. It was settled that
Altamont, Bell and Hatteras should form
the party. Clawbonny should go and ex
plore as far as Isle Johnson. and make
some photographic notes and johnson
\ should remain behind to keep house.
At o'clock they started accompanied
by Duke, who frfsked and gamboled with
delight They had been gone about ar