"My dear lord," replied Paganel, "I will translate the document for you, according to my third interpretation, and you shall judge. I only make two suggestions. First, forget as far as possible the previous interpretations; and next, although certain passages will seem to you forced, and I may translate them wrongly, still, remember that they have no special importance. Moreover, the French document serves as the basis of my interpretation, and you must consider that it was written by an Englishman who could not have been perfectly familiar with the idioms of our language."
So saying, Paganel, slowly pronouncing each syllable, read the following:
"On the 27th of June, 1862, the brig Britannia, of Glasgow, foundered, after a long struggle (agonie), in the South (australes) Seas, on the coasts of New Zealand. Two sailors and Captain Grant succeeded in landing (aborder). Here, continually (continuellement) a prey (proie) to a cruel (cruelle) destitution (indigence), they cast this document into the sea, at longitude —— and latitude 37° 11'. Come to their assistance, or they are lost."
Paganel stopped. His interpretation was admissible. But, although it appeared as probable as the other, still it might be as false. Glenarvan and the major therefore no longer attempted to dispute it. However, since the traces of the Britannia had not been encountered on the coasts of Patagonia or Australia, the chances were in favor of New Zealand.
"Now, Paganel," said Glenarvan, "will you tell me why, for about two months, you kept this interpretation secret?"
UNANIMITY IN DESPAIR.
"Because I did not wish to give you vain hopes. Besides, we were going to Auckland, which is on the very latitude of the document."
"But afterwards, when we were taken out of our course, why did you not speak?"
"Because, however just this interpretation may be, it cannot contribute to the captain's rescue."