Wade went after it.
It was set on the deck, and, after vibrating a few seconds, came to rest at a dip of about 83°.
"If we were up at the point Capt. Ross reached, it would point directly down, or at 90°, I suppose," said Kit.
"That's what he reported," said Raed. "There's no reason to doubt it."
"But where is the south pole?" Wade asked.
"That has never been exactly reached," said Raed. "It is supposed to be in 75°, south latitude, south of New Holland, in the Southern Ocean. A point has been reached where the dip is 88-2/3°, however."
"Of course this magnetic pole that Ross found in 70° is not the bona fide north pole of the earth," Wade observed.
"Oh, no!" said the captain. "The genuine north pole is not so easily reached."
"It's curious what this magnetic attraction is," said Kit reflectively.
"It is now considered to be the same thing as electricity, is it not?" I asked.