human
Chance! interrupted Altamont, hotly.
gpt
Do you mean to assert that it is not to Kane's energy and science that we owe his great discovery?
human
I mean to say that Dr. Kane's name is not worth mentioning in a country made illustrious by such names as Parry, and Franklin, and Ross, and Belcher, and Penny; in a country where the seas opened the North-West Passage to an Englishman--McClure!
gpt
McClure! exclaimed the American.
human
Well, if ever chance favoured anyone it was that McClure. Do you pretend to deny it?
gpt
I do, said Hatteras, becoming quite excited.
human
It was his courage and perseverance in remaining four whole winters among the ice.
gpt
I believe that, don't I? said Altamont, sneeringly.
human
He was caught among the bergs and could not get away; but didn't he after all abandon his ship, the Investigator, and try to get back home? Besides, putting the man aside, what is the value of his discovery? I maintain that the North-West Passage is still undiscovered, for not a single ship to this day has ever sailed from Behring's Straits to Baffin's Bay!
gpt
I will not permit the honour of an English captain to be attacked in my presence any longer!
human
You will not permit! echoed Altamont, also springing erect.
gpt
But these are facts, and it is out of your power to destroy them!
human
Sir!
gpt
My friends! interposed the Doctor;
human
I'll tell you the facts, sir.
gpt
And I'll tell you,
human
Gentlemen, said Clawbonny, in a firm tone;
gpt
Yes, yes!
human
Well, go on,