idea.

"Then, to-morrow we'll start," said the doctor, smiling at seeing the
old sailor but half convinced; "and if there is any opening to the
centre of the earth, we shall go there together."

CHAPTER XXV.
MOUNT HATTERAS.

After this solid conversation every one made himself as comfortable as
possible in the cavern, and soon fell asleep. Every one, that is,
except Hatteras. Why did not this strange man sleep?

Was not the object of his life attained? Had he not accomplished the
bold projects which lay so near his heart? Why did not calmness
succeed the agitation in his ardent mind? Would not one suppose that,
when he had accomplished this end, Hatteras would fall into a sort of
dejection, and that his over-stretched nerves would seek repose? After
succeeding, it would seem natural that he should be seized with the
feeling of sadness, which always follows satisfied desires.

But no. He was only more excited. It was not, however, the thought of
returning which agitated him so. Did he wish to go farther? Was there
no limit to his ambition, and did he find the world too small, because
he had been around it? However this may have been, he could not sleep.
And yet this first night spent at the pole of the world was pleasant
and quiet. The island was absolutely uninhabited. There was not a bird
in its fire-impregnated atmosphere, not an animal on the soil of
cinders, not a fish in its boiling waters. Only afar off the dull
murmur of the mountain, from the summit of which arose puffs of hot
smoke.

When Bell, Johnson, Altamont, and the doctor awoke, Hatteras was not
to be seen near them. Being anxious, they left the cave, and saw the
captain standing on a rock. His eyes were fixed on the top of the
volcano. He held his instruments in his hands, having evidently been
calculating the exact height of the mountain. The doctor went up to
him and spoke to him several times before he could rouse him from his
revery. At last the captain seemed to understand him.

[Illustration: "They saw the captain standing on a rock."]

"Forward!" said the doctor, who was examining him
attentively,--"forward! let us explore our island; we are all ready
for our last excursion."

"Our last," said Hatteras, with the intonation of people who are
dreaming aloud; "yes, the last, indeed. But also," he continued with
great animation, "the most wonderful!"

He spoke in this way, rubbing his hands over his brow as if to allay
its throb