As Altamont did not conform to the teetotal regime of his English companions, gin and brandy were set on the table after dinner, and the others, by the Doctor's orders, joined him in a glass for once, that the festive occasion might be duly honoured. When the different toasts were being drunk, one was given to the United States, to which Hatteras made no response. This important business over, the Doctor introduced an interesting subject of conversation by saying-- "My friends, it is not enough to have come thus far in spite of so many difficulties; we have something more yet to do. I propose we should bestow a name on this continent, where we have found friendly shelter and rest, and not only on the continent, but on the several bays, peaks, and promontories that we meet with. This has been invariably done by navigators and is a most necessary proceeding." "Quite right," said Johnson, "when once a place is named, it takes away the feeling of being castaways on an unknown shore." "Yes," added Bell, "and we might be going on some expedition and obliged to separate, or go out hunting, and it would make it much easier to find one another if each locality had a definite name." [Illustration: ] "Very well; then," said the Doctor, "since we are all agreed, let us go steadily to work." Hatteras had taken no part in the conversation as yet, but seeing all eyes fixed on him, he rose at last, and said-- "If no one objects, I think the most suitable name we can give our house is that of its skilful architect, the best man among us. Let us call it 'Doctor's House.'" "Just the thing!" said Bell. "First rate!" exclaimed Johnson, "'Doctor's House!'" "We cannot do better," chimed in Altamont. "Hurrah for Doctor Clawbonny." Three hearty cheers were given, in which Duk joined lustily, barking his loudest. "It is agreed then," said Hatteras, "that this house is to be called 'Doctor's House.'" The Doctor, almost overcome by his feelings, modestly protested against the honour; but he was obliged to yield to the wishes of his friends, and the new habitation was formally named "Doctor's House." "Now, then," said the Doctor, "let us go onto name the most important of our discoveries." "There is that immense sea which surrounds us, unfurrowed as yet by a single ship." "A single ship!" repeated Altamont. "I think you have forgotten the Porpoise, and yet she certainly did not get here overland," "Well, it would not be difficult to believe she had," replied Hatteras, "to see on what she lies at present." "True, enough, Hatteras," said Altamont, in a piqued tone; "but, after all, is not that better than being blown to atoms like the Forward?" Hatteras was about to make some sharp retort, but Clawbonny interposed. "It is not a question of ships, my friends," he said, "but of a fresh sea."