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"Captain Grant could have crossed the Pacific and found himself in the Indian Ocean." Paganel's theory met with universal acceptance. "That's one more point cleared up," said Glenarvan. "Thanks to our friend, all that remains to be done now is to get to Australia, and look out for traces of the wreck on the western coast." "Or the eastern?" said John Mangles.
Nothing can be more logical than Paganel's theory, and we must follow the course he points out without the least hesitation. Captain Grant may have fallen into the hands of a numerous tribe, or his captors may be but a handful.
While Glenarvan and his cousin were making these observations, the report of firearms resounded frequently above their heads, and the jubilant outcries of the two sportsmen for Paganel was every whit as much a child as Robert. They were having a fine time of it among the thick leaves, judging by the peals of laughter which rang out in the boy's clear treble voice and Paganel's deep bass.
"Well?" resumed Glenarvan, addressing himself especially to the Major. "My dear Edward," replied McNabbs, "it would be incurring too great a responsibility for me to reply hic et nunc. It is a question which requires reflection. I must know first, through which countries the thirty-seventh parallel of southern latitude passes?" "That's Paganel's business; he will tell you that," said Glenarvan.
He merely observed that regular communication existed between that point and Great Britain, and that it was easy to take advantage of it. John Mangles supported Paganel's proposal. He advised its adoption, as it was hopeless to await the problematical arrival of a vessel in Twofold Bay. But before coming to any decision, he thought it best to visit the ship mentioned by the geographer.
"No, I tell you!" "I must examine " "You shall not examine." "You may perhaps have broken " continued McNabbs. "Yes," continued Paganel, getting up on his long legs, "but what I have broken the carpenter can mend." "What is it, then?" "There." Bursts of laughter from the crew greeted this speech. Paganel's friends were quite reassured about him now.
At the conclusion of Paganel's dissertation, Glenarvan announced that the DUNCAN would sail immediately for Australia. But before the decisive orders were given, McNabbs asked for a few minutes' hearing. "Say away, McNabbs," replied Glenarvan. "I have no intention of weakening the arguments of my friend Paganel, and still less of refuting them.
"Well, Paganel, the north wind is not blowing to-day. What do you think of those fellows yonder?" "I think they look like regular bandits." "And how far is it from looking to being, my good geographer?" "Only just a step, my dear Major." Paganel's admission was received with a general laugh, which did not in the least disconcert him.
John looked attentively, and in order to make it out, borrowed Paganel's telescope. "That is no reef," said he, after a moment; "it is something floating, which rises and falls with the swell." "Is it part of the mast of the MACQUARIE?" asked Lady Helena. "No," said Glenarvan, "none of her timbers could have come so far." "Stay!" said John Mangles; "I know it! It is the boat."
"Then, I suppose," said Lady Helena, "the wicked wretch had got work on Paddy O'Moore's farm with a criminal intent?" "There is not the least doubt of it. He was planning some evil design against the Irishman, when a better chance presented itself. Chance led us into his presence. He heard Paganel's story and all about the shipwreck, and the audacious fellow determined to act his part immediately.
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