Jules Verne's Captain Hatteras - Part 2: Ice Desert

Chapter 25 - Mount Hatteras

After this essential conversation, each, arranging themselves as they saw fit, immediately found sleep.

Each, except Hatteras. Why didn't this extraordinary man sleep? Was his life's goal not reached? Didn't he fulfill his soul's boldest plans? Why didn't his spiritual peace follow the kneading in that ardent soul? Shouldn't we imagine that, once his plans are fulfilled, Hatteras will fall in a state of complete rest that his relaxed nerves will aspire to rest? After such a success, it seemed quite natural to be enveloped by this sad sentiment that always follows the satisfactory wishes. But no. He even seemed more agitated. It however wasn't the thought of returning that kneaded him like this. Did he maybe want to go further? Did his ambition as a traveler had no limit and found the world too small because he encircled it? Whatever it was, he couldn't sleep. And still, this first night at the pole was serene and quiet. The island was perfectly uninhabited, no bird in its bright atmosphere, no animal on its greyish soil, no fish in its hot waters. Only in the distance the mountain's deaf snore could be heard, on the peak which tufts of incandescent smoke were spinning around.

When Bell, Johnson, Altamont and the doctor woke up, they didn't find Hatteras near them. Worried, they left the grotto and saw the captain on a rock. His vision seemed fixated on the volcano's peak. He held the instruments in his hands; he wanted, evidently, to exactly survey the mountain. The doctor went to him and talked. Finally, the captain seemed to understand him.

Clawbonny: Let's go! We're going to tour our own island; here we are prepared for our final journey.

Hatteras: Final; yes, indeed, the last. But also the most magnificent.

He talked, rubbing his hands on his forehead, to calm down. In that moment, Altamont, Johnson and Bell joined them; Hatteras then seemed freed of his hallucinatory state.

Hatteras: Friends, thank you for your courage, thank you for your perseverance, thank you for your superhuman efforts that allowed us to walk on this land!

Johnson: Captain, all we did was to follow you and this honor returns to you alone.

Hatteras: No! No! Both to you and me! Same to Altamont just like everyone else! And the doctor himself! Oh! Let my heart speak to you! It can no longer contain its joy and gratitude!

Hatteras shook hands with his brave comrades, who surrounded him. He walked around, he was no longer controlling himself.

Bell: But all we did was our duty as British.

Clawbonny: Our duty as friends.

Hatteras: Yes, but not everyone fulfilled this duty. Some succumbed! Still, we have to forgive those who betrayed us and those who joined the betrayal! The poor men! I forgive them. You hear me, doctor!

Clawbonny: Yes.

Hatteras: Which is why I don't want them to lose this small fortune that they came far to search for. No! Nothing will change in my initial orders, they'll receive their part... they'll be rich... if they ever make it back to England!

It was difficult not to get excited by Hatteras's tone.

Johnson: But, captain, it could be said you're writing your will.

Hatteras: Perhaps.

Johnson: Still, you have in front of you a beautiful and long existence full of glory.

Hatteras: Who knows?

A great silence followed. The doctor didn't dare to interpret those last words. But Hatteras immediately made himself clear.