"Who knows, then," resumed the major, "whether, after Australia, another country may not offer us the same probabilities, and whether, when this new search proves vain, it may not seem evident that we ought to have searched elsewhere?"
FRIENDS IN COUNCIL.
Glenarvan and Paganel glanced at each other. The major's remarks were strictly correct.
"I desire, therefore," added MacNabb, "that a final test be made before we start for Australia. Here are the documents and maps. Let us examine successively all points that the thirty-seventh parallel crosses, and see if there is not some other country to which the document has as precise a reference."
"Nothing is easier," replied Paganel.
The map was placed before Lady Helena, and all showed themselves ready to follow Paganel's demonstration. After carefully examining the documents, it was unanimously agreed that Paganel's interpretation was the correct one.
"I leave you, therefore, my friends," said he, in conclusion, "to decide whether all the probabilities are not in favor of the Australian continent."
"Evidently," replied the passengers and the captain with unanimity.
"Captain," said Glenarvan, "have you sufficient provisions and coal?"