thing left for us to
do. Hence I propose that we should give names to this hospitable land
where we have found safety and rest; that is the course pursued by all
navigators, and there is not one who has neglected it; therefore we
ought to carry back with us not only a map of the shores, but also the
names of the capes, bays, points, and promontories which we find. That
is absolutely necessary."

"Good!" cried Johnson; "besides, when one can give all these lands
their own names, it looks like genuine work, and we can't consider
ourselves as cast away on an unknown shore."

"Besides," added Bell, "that simplifies instructions and facilitates
the execution of orders; we may be compelled to separate during some
expedition or in hunting, and the best way for finding our way back is
to know the names of the places."

"Well," said the doctor, "since we are all agreed, let us try to
settle on some names without forgetting our country and friends."

"You are right, Doctor," answered the American, "and you give what you
say additional value by your warmth."

"Well," continued the doctor, "let us go on in order."

Hatteras had not taken part in the conversation; he was thinking.
Still the eyes of his companions were fastened on him; he rose and
said,--

"If you are all willing, and I don't think any one will dissent,"--at
those words Hatteras looked at Altamont,--"it seems to me proper to
name this house after its skilful architect, and to call it 'Doctor's
House.'"

"That's true," said Bell.

"Good!" shouted Johnson; "Doctor's House!"

"Couldn't be better," added Altamont. "Hurrah for Dr. Clawbonny!"

Three cheers were then given, to which Duke added an approving bark.

"So," resumed Hatteras, "let this house bear that name until some new
land is discovered to bear the name of our friend."

"Ah!" said Johnson, "if the earthly Paradise were to be named over
again, the name of Clawbonny would suit it to a miracle!"

The doctor, much moved, wanted to defend himself by modesty, but he
was unable. It was then formally agreed that the feast had been eaten
in the grand dining-hall of Doctor's House, after being cooked in the
kitchen of Doctor's House, and that they would go comfortably to bed
in the chamber of Doctor's House.

"Now," said the doctor, "let us take the more important points of our
discoveries."

"There is," said Hatteras, "this immense sea which surrounds us, and
in which no ship has ever floated."