a long
time against a tribe of Esquimaux, if such enemies were met under that
latitude; but there was no trace of human beings there; Hatteras, in
making out the outline of the bay, did not see any ruins of the huts
which are so commonly found in the places resorted to by Greenland
tribes; the castaways of the _Forward_ and the _Porpoise_ appeared to
be the first ever to set foot on this unknown shore. But if they need
not fear men, animals were to be dreaded, and the fort, thus defended,
would have to protect the little garrison against their attacks.

CHAPTER VII.
A DISCUSSION ABOUT CHARTS.

During these preparations for going into winter-quarters, Altamont had
entirely recovered his health and strength; he was even able to aid in
unloading the ship. His vigorous constitution at last carried the day,
and his pallor soon gave way before the vigor of his blood.

[Illustration]

They saw in him a sanguine, robust citizen of the United States, an
intelligent, energetic man with a resolute character, a bold, hardy
American ready for everything; he was originally from New York, and
had been a sailor from infancy, as he told his companions; his ship,
the _Porpoise_, had been equipped and sent out by a society of wealthy
American merchants, at the head of whom was the famous Mr. Grinnell.

There was a certain similarity between his disposition and that of
Hatteras, but their sympathies were different. This similarity did not
incline them to become friends; indeed, it had the opposite effect. A
close observer would have detected serious discordances between them;
and this, although they were very frank with one another. Altamont was
less so, however, than Hatteras; with greater ease of manner, he was
less loyal; his open character did not inspire as much confidence as
did the captain's gloomy temperament. Hatteras would say what he had
to say, and then he held his peace. The other would talk a great deal,
but say very little. Such was the doctor's reading of the American's
character, and he was right in his presentiment of a future
disagreement, if not hatred, between the captains of the _Porpoise_
and the _Forward_.

[Illustration]

And yet only one could command. To be sure, Hatteras had all the right
of commanding, by virtue of anterior right and superior force. But if
one was at the head of his own men, the other was on board of his own
ship. And that was generally felt. Either from policy or
instinctive