This sally finished the poor geographer.
Austin was now bewildered. Glenarvan spoke with such assurance, that he feared he had made a mistake in reading the letter. Could he, faithful and accurate sailor that he was, have committed such a blunder? He began to feel troubled.
"Be easy, Tom," said Lady Helena. "Providence has decreed——"
"No, madam, pardon me," returned the sailor; "no, it is not possible! I am not mistaken. Ayrton also read the letter, and he, on the contrary, wished to go to Australia."
"Ayrton?" cried Glenarvan.
"The very one. He maintained that it was a mistake, and that you had appointed Twofold Bay as the place of meeting."
"Have you the letter, Tom?" asked the major, greatly puzzled.
"Yes, Mr. MacNabb," replied Austin. "I will soon bring it."