human
I have got an idea, he said;
gpt
I think of constructing a lighthouse on the top of that cone above our heads.
human
A lighthouse!
gpt
Yes, a lighthouse. It would be a double advantage. It would be a beacon to guide us in distant excursions, and also serve to illumine our plateau in the long dreary winter months.
human
There is no doubt, replied Altamont,
gpt
With one of the lanterns out of the Porpoise.
human
All right; but how will you feed your lamp? With seal oil?
gpt
No, seal oil would not give nearly sufficient light. It would scarcely be visible through the fog.
human
Are you going to try to make gas out of our coal then?
gpt
No, not that either, for gas would not be strong enough; and, worse still, it would waste our combustibles.
human
Well, replied Altamont;
gpt
I'm at a loss to see how you--
human
Oh, I'm prepared for everything after the mercury bullet, and the ice lens, and Fort Providence. I believe Mr. Clawbonny can do anything,
gpt
Come, Clawbonny, tell us what your light is to be, then,
human
That's soon told, replied Clawbonny.
gpt
I mean to have an electric light.
human
An electric light?
gpt
Yes, why not? Haven't you a galvanic battery on board your ship?
human
Yes.
gpt
Well, there will be no difficulty then in producing an electric light, and that will cost nothing, and be far brighter.
human
First-rate? said Johnson;