"I did not mean to offend you, my friend," said the geographer; "but for a month our food has been of that sort, and we have dined, not at a table, but stretched on the ground, except when we were astride of the trees. This breakfast that you have just announced seemed to me, therefore, like a dream, a fiction, a chimera."
"Well, we will test its reality, Monsieur Paganel," replied Lady Helena, who could not help laughing.
"Accept my arm," said the gallant geographer.
"Has your lordship any orders to give?" inquired Captain Mangles.
"After breakfast, my dear fellow," replied Glenarvan, "we will discuss in council the programme of the new expedition."
The passengers and the young captain then descended to the cabin. Orders were given to the engineer to keep up steam, that they might start at the first signal. The major and the travelers, after a rapid toilette, seated themselves at the table. Ample justice was done to Mr. Olbinett's repast, which was declared excellent and even superior to the splendid banquets of the Pampas. Paganel called twice for every dish, "through absent-mindedness," as he said. This unfortunate word led Lady Helena to inquire if the amiable Frenchman had occasionally shown his habitual failing. The major and Lord Glenarvan looked at each other with a smile. As for Paganel, he laughed heartily, and promised "upon his honor" not to commit a single blunder during the entire voyage. He then in a very comical way told the story of his mistake in the study of Spanish.
"After all," he added, in conclusion, "misfortunes are sometimes beneficial, and I do not regret my error."
"And why, my worthy friend?" asked the major.
"Because I not only know Spanish, but Portuguese also. I speak two languages instead of one."