"Yes, I know," replied Reinhold; "but I am not speaking of ordinary atmospheric and marine adjustments and disturbances, but of an event which I am convinced has been coming for years and only waits for an opportune occasion, which will not be wanting, to break forth with a violence of which the boldest imagination can form no conception."
"Are we still in the realm of reality, or already in the sphere of the imagination?" asked the Count.
"We are in the domain of possibility," replied Reinhold; "of a possibility which a glance at the map will show us has already been more than once realized and will in all human probability be repeated at no very distant future time."
"You make us extremely curious," said the Count.
He had said it ironically; but he had only given expression to the feelings of the company. The eyes of all were fixed upon Reinhold.
"I am afraid I shall tire the ladies with these things," said Reinhold.
"Not in the least," said Else.
"I just revel in everything connected with the sea," said Mieting, with a mischievous glance at Else.
"You would really oblige me," said the President.
"Please continue!" added the General.