bservations of Ross and of More show us that there is
a chain of mountains of immense height, which seem to encircle the
pole. If this be so, and I see no reason to disbelieve it, then the
ice of the outer seas must be kept away altogether from that strange
inner sea of which More speaks. Ross saw the volcanoes Erebus and
Terror; More saw two others. How many more there may be it is
impossible to say; but all this shows that the effect of the earth's
internal fires is very manifest in that region, and More has
penetrated to a secluded world, which lies apart by itself, free from
the influence of ice-masses, left to feel the effect of the internal
fires, and possessing what is virtually a tropical climate."

"Well," said Melick, "there is no theory however wild and fantastic,
which some man of science will not be ready to support and to fortify
by endless arguments, all of the most plausible kind. For my own part,
I still believe More and his south polar world to be no more authentic
than Sindbad the Sailor."

But the others evidently sympathized with the doctor's view, and
regarded Melick as carrying his scepticism to an absurd excess.

"How large do you suppose this south polar ocean to be?" asked
Featherstone.

"It is impossible to answer that question exactly," said the doctor.
"It may be, as More hints, a thousand miles in extent, or only five
hundred, or two hundred. For my own part, however, I feel like
taking More's statements at their utmost value; and the idea that
I have gathered from his narrative is that of a vast sea like the
Mediterranean, surrounded by impassable mountains, by great and
fertile countries, peopled with an immense variety of animals, with
a fauna and flora quite unlike those of the rest of the world;
and, above all, with great nations possessing a rare and unique
civilization, and belonging to a race altogether different from
any of the known races of men."

"Well," said Melick, "that at least is the idea which the writer of
the manuscript tries to convey."

By this time they had finished dinner.

"And now," said Featherstone, "let's have some more of the manuscript.
Melick is tired of it, I dare say. I would relieve him, but I'm an
infernally bad reader. Doctor, what do you say? Will you read the next
instalment!"

"With all my heart," said the doctor, briskly.

"Very well, then," said Featherstone; "we will all be your attentive
hearers."

And now the doctor took up the manu