Opposite it and upon the eastern extremity of mystic Yucatan is Cape Catoche. Between these two points of land lies that body of water which connects the Gulf of Mexico with the Caribbean Sea and known as the Yucatan Channel.
Mr. Wilbur Wade, the distinguished archæologist, geologist, naturalist and scientist in general, had startled his associates of the World’s Geographical Society by a positive and unheard-of statement.
“I have made very careful soundings in the Yucatan Channel,” he said; “also I have compared the strata of the two capes, and it is my firm belief that at a period not so very remote there existed no channel between the two points of land. In fact——”
“Then you claim the existence of an isthmus between Cuba and Yucatan at some time?” interrupted Professor Brown.
“Just so,” agreed Mr. Wade.
“What has become of it, I would like to ask?”
There was just a bit of cynicism in this query. But then these two men had never been the warmest of friends. Wade bit his lip.
“What do you suppose has become of it?” he retorted. “Surely you don’t think it has taken wings and flown away?”
“But you were going to prove the matter to us,” returned Professor Brown, with a bit of sarcasm.
“If it is not an impossibility,” said Mr. Wade, ironically, “my opinion is that the isthmus is at present at the bottom of the Yucatan Channel.”