Chapter Eleven.
The Pursuit of Science under Difficulties.
After the first burst of enthusiasm and interest had abated, the attention of the party became engrossed in the proceedings of the Professor, who, with his assistants, began at once to adjust his theodolite, and fix stakes in the ice. While he was thus engaged, Captain Wopper regarded the Mer de Glace with a gaze of fixedness so intense as to draw on him the attention and arouse the curiosity of his friends.
“D’you see anything curious, Captain?” asked Emma, who chanced to stand beside him.
“Coorious—eh?” repeated the Captain slowly, without altering his gaze or adding to his reply.
“Monsieur le Capitaine is lost in consternation,” said Nita, with a smile.
“I think, Miss Horetzki,” said Lewis, “that you probably mean admiration.”
“How you knows w’at I mean?” demanded Nita, quickly.