With this the sailor arose, touched his cap, and started for the door. But Frank, who had listened with the most intense interest, said:

“Wait! do not go yet, Jack. I may want to ask you some questions.”

“At your service, skipper.”

“Well,” said Randall, triumphantly, “what do you think of it now, Frank?”

“I own that I am much interested.” replied the young inventor. “It is a remarkable tale, and a valuable discovery.”

“So I believe,” cried Randall. “Here is evidence of the existence of a new and undiscovered continent. What better field could a man want?”

“How is it, Wendel?” asked the young inventor, turning to the sailor, “could my Electric Scorcher travel easily through that region?”

“Ay, sir, I believe it could, after ye left the ice behind,” replied the sailor.

Frank knit his brows.

“How great a distance would we have to travel over the ice fields?” he asked.