"So much the worse for them," continued Paganel; "and for us, too, as this boat would have been useful."
"What do you mean, Paganel?" said Glenarvan. "The raft will take us ashore."
"That is precisely what I would avoid," replied the geographer.
"What! can a journey of not more than twenty miles terrify us, after what has been done on the Pampas and in Australia?"
"My friends," resumed Paganel, "I do not doubt your courage, nor that of our fair companions. Twenty miles is nothing in any other country except New Zealand. Here, however, anything is better than venturing upon these treacherous shores."
"Anything is better than exposing yourself to certain death on a wrecked vessel," returned Captain Mangles.
"What have we to fear in New Zealand?" asked Glenarvan.
"The savages!" replied Paganel.
"The savages?" said Glenarvan. "Can we not avoid them by following the coast? Besides, an attack from a few wretches cannot intimidate ten well-armed and determined Europeans."
"It is not a question of wretches," rejoined Paganel. "The New Zealanders form terrible tribes that struggle against the English government, fight with invaders, frequently conquer them, and always eat them."