one whatever," replied the colonel; adding with a stately
emphasis, "but we shall be sure to have tidings from England before
long."

"Whether England is still in existence or not, I suppose," said
Servadac, in a tone of irony.

The Englishmen started simultaneously to their feet.

"England in existence?" the colonel cried. "England! Ten times more
probable that France--"

"France!" shouted Servadac in a passion. "France is not an island that
can be submerged; France is an integral portion of a solid continent.
France, at least, is safe."

A scene appeared inevitable, and Count Timascheff's efforts to
conciliate the excited parties were of small avail.

"You are at home here," said Servadac, with as much calmness as he
could command; "it will be advisable, I think, for this discussion to
be carried on in the open air." And hurriedly he left the room. Followed
immediately by the others, he led the way to a level piece of ground,
which he considered he might fairly claim as neutral territory.

"Now, gentlemen," he began haughtily, "permit me to represent that,
in spite of any loss France may have sustained in the fate of Algeria,
France is ready to answer any provocation that affects her honor. Here I
am the representative of my country, and here, on neutral ground--"

"Neutral ground?" objected Colonel Murphy; "I beg your pardon. This,
Captain Servadac, is English territory. Do you not see the English
flag?" and, as he spoke, he pointed with national pride to the British
standard floating over the top of the island.

"Pshaw!" cried Servadac, with a contemptuous sneer; "that flag, you
know, has been hoisted but a few short weeks."

"That flag has floated where it is for ages," asserted the colonel.

"An imposture!" shouted Servadac, as he stamped with rage.

Recovering his composure in a degree, he continued: "Can you suppose
that I am not aware that this island on which we find you is what
remains of the Ionian representative republic, over which you English
exercise the right of protection, but have no claim of government?"

The colonel and the major looked at each other in amazement.

Although Count Timascheff secretly sympathized with Servadac, he had
carefully refrained from taking part in the dispute; but he was on
the point of interfering, when the colonel, in a greatly subdued tone,
begged to be allowed to speak.

"I begin to apprehend," he said, "that you must be la-boring under some
strange mis