This question, so directly asked, was unanswered. No one dared to declare his opinion.
"Well?" resumed Glenarvan, addressing the major more especially.
"My dear Edward," replied MacNabb, "it would involve too great a responsibility to answer you now. The case requires consideration. But first of all I desire to know what countries the thirty-seventh parallel crosses."
"That is Paganel's business," replied Glenarvan.
The geographer was no longer to be seen, as he was hidden by the thick foliage. It was necessary to call him.
"Present!" answered a voice which seemed to come to them from the sky.
"To know what countries the thirty-seventh parallel crosses."
"Nothing easier," replied Paganel; "I need not even disturb myself to tell you."
"Leaving America, the thirty-seventh parallel crosses the Atlantic."
"It passes two degrees to the south of the Cape of Good Hope."
"It grazes St. Paul's Island of the Amsterdam group."
"It cuts Australia across the province of Victoria."
This last sentence was not finished. Did the geographer hesitate? Did he know no more? No; but a startling cry was heard in the top of the tree. Glenarvan and his friends grew pale as they gazed at each other. Had a new calamity happened? Had the unfortunate Paganel fallen? Already Wilson and Mulready were hastening to his assistance, when a long body appeared. Paganel dangled from branch to branch. His hands could grasp nothing. Was he alive, or dead? They did not know; but he was about to fall into the roaring waters, when the major, with a strong hand, arrested his progress.
"Very much obliged, MacNabb!" cried Paganel.
"Why, what is the matter with you?" said the major.
[Illustration: A long body appeared. Paganel dangled from branch to branch. His hands could grasp nothing. Was he alive, or dead?]
"What has got into you? Is this another of your eternal distractions?"
"Yes, yes," replied Paganel, in a voice choked with emotion (and leaves). "Yes, a distraction,--phenomenal this time."
"We have been mistaken! We are still mistaken!"
"Glenarvan, major, Robert, my friends," cried Paganel, "all you who hear me, we are seeking Captain Grant where he is not."
"Not only where he is not," added Paganel, "but even where he has never been."