"Who owns this mine?" he demanded in good English.
"An American syndicate," the "Wizard" answered briefly.
"And who is in charge here?"
"I am."
"In that case, I am instructed to notify you that you are occupying Siberian territory."
"That," responded the "Wizard" curtly, "is either a geographical error or a deliberate lie."
The officer made a gesture towards his hip, evidently forgetting the sword at his side, a movement which both Jim and the "Wizard" noted.
"Sir!" he began.
"This island," the "Wizard" continued, ignoring the interruption, "is a few seconds more than forty minutes of a degree east of the international boundary. Observations of the most precise character have been taken by Captain Robertson of the Bunting and were duly recorded at Washington more than two months ago."
The officer seemed taken aback at this definite declaration, but maintained his position firmly.