"The newspaper appeared daily from the 1st of November, 1819, to the 20th of March, 1820. It reported the different excursions, and hunting parties, and accidents, and adventures, and published amusing stories. No doubt the articles were not up to the 'Spectator' or the 'Daily Telegraph,' but the readers were neither critical nor blasé, and found great pleasure in their perusal."
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"My word!" said Altamont. "I should like to read some of the articles."
"Would you? Well, you shall judge for yourself."
"What! can you repeat them from memory?"
"No; but you had Parry's Voyages on board the Porpoise, and I can read you his own narrative if you like."
This proposition was so eagerly welcomed that the Doctor fetched the book forthwith, and soon found the passage in question.
"Here is a letter," he said, "addressed to the editor."
" 'Your proposition to establish a journal has been received by us with the greatest satisfaction. I am convinced that, under your direction, it will be a great source of amusement, and go a long way to lighten our hundred days of darkness.
" 'The interest I take in the matter myself has led me to study the effect of your announcement on my comrades, and I can testify, to use reporter's language, that the thing has produced an immense sensation.