part in a question upon which depended his life. He was ready to

start at a given signal, or to stay, if his master so willed it.

How I wished at this moment I could have made him understand me. My

words, my complaints, my sorrow would have had some influence over

that frigid nature. Those dangers which our guide could not

understand I could have demonstrated and proved to him. Together we

might have over-ruled the obstinate Professor; if it were needed, we

might perhaps have compelled him to regain the heights of Snæfell.

I drew near to Hans. I placed my hand upon his. He made no movement.

My parted lips sufficiently revealed my sufferings. The Icelander

slowly moved his head, and calmly pointing to my uncle said:

"Master."

"Master!" I shouted; "you madman! no, he is not the master of our

life; we must fly, we must drag him. Do you hear me? Do you

understand?"

I had seized Hans by the arm. I wished to oblige him to rise. I

strove with him. My uncle interposed.

"Be calm, Axel! you will get nothing from that immovable servant.

Therefore, listen to my proposal."

I crossed my arms, and confronted my uncle boldly.

"The want of water," he said, "is the only obstacle in our way. In

this eastern gallery made up of lavas, schists, and coal, we have not

met with a single particle of moisture. Perhaps we shall be more

fortunate if we follow the western tunnel."

I shook my head incredulously.

"Hear me to the end," the Professor went on with a firm voice.

"Whilst you were lying there motionless, I went to examine the

conformation of that gallery. It penetrates directly downward, and in

a few hours it will bring us to the granite rocks. There we must meet

with abundant springs. The nature of the rock assures me of this, and

instinct agrees with logic to support my conviction. Now, this is my

proposal. When Columbus asked of his ships' crews for three days more

to discover a new world, those crews, disheartened and sick as they

were, recognised the justice of the claim, and he discovered America.

I am the Columbus of this nether world, and I only ask for one more

day. If in a single day I have not met with the water that we want, I

swear to you we will return to the surface of the earth."

In spite of my irritation I was moved with these words, as well as

with the violence my uncle was doing to his own wishes in making so

hazardous a proposal.

"Well," I said, "do as you will, and God reward your superhuman

energy. You have now but a few hours to tempt fortune. Let us start!"