“Well, I did have a hard time. We lost our ship in Desolation Channel, and were forced to take to an iceberg. If we had had an overland machine like your Electric Scorcher, we could have easily crossed that ice barrier and set foot upon the new continent, the most wonderful part of the globe. But as it was we were carried north into Cape Horn waters on the berg and finally picked up by an Argentine vessel.”
Frank looked interested.
“Then you really believe that there is an inhabited and undiscovered continent beyond that ice barrier?” he asked.
“Why, I have old Jack Wendel’s word for it.”
“A sailor’s word is good except when connected with a story. The telling of a yarn is ample license for stretching the imagination.”
“Very good,” rejoined Randall, “but old Jack has given his davy on it, and all sorts of oaths. Oh, I firmly believe him.”
“I would much like to hear his story,” said Frank.
“You would?” asked Randall, eagerly.
“Yes.”
“Then you shall. I brought him here to-day for that purpose. He is just outside the door. I will call him.”