there is as to the authenticity of the manuscript. Now, in the first
place, there is the description of Desolation Island, which is
perfectly accurate. But it is on his narrative beyond this that I lay
chief stress. I can prove that the statements here are corroborated
by those of Captain Ross in his account of that great voyage from
which he returned not very long ago."

The doctor, who had been talking with much enthusiasm, paused here to
take breath, and then went on:

"I happen to know all about that voyage, for I read a full report of
it just before we started, and you can see for yourselves whether this
manuscript is credible or not.

"Captain James Clarke Ross was sent forth on his expedition in 1839.
On January 1, 1841, he passed the antarctic circle in 178 degrees east
longitude. On the 11th he discovered land in 70 degrees 41' south
latitude, 172 degrees 36' east longitude. He found that the land was
a continuous coast, trending southward, and rising to peaks of ten
thousand feet in height, all covered with ice and snow. On the 12th
he landed and took possession in the name of the Queen. After this he
continued his course as far as 78 degrees 4' south latitude, tracing a
coast-line of six hundred miles. Observe, now how all this coincides
with More's narrative. Well, I now come to the crowning statement. In
77 degrees 32' south latitude, 167 degrees east longitude, he came in
sight of two enormous volcanoes over twelve thousand feet in height.
One of these was in an active state of eruption. To this he gave the
name of Mount Erebus. The other was quiet; it was of somewhat less
height, and he gave it the name of Mount Terror. Mark, now, how
wonderfully this resembles More's account. Well, just here his
progress was arrested by a barrier which presented a perpendicular
wall of over a hundred and fifty feet in height, along which he
coasted for some distance. On the following year he penetrated six
miles farther south, namely, 78 degrees 11' south latitude, 161
degrees 27' west longitude. At this point he was again stopped by the
impassable cliffs, which arose here like an eternal barrier, while
beyond them he saw a long line of lofty mountains covered with ice
and snow."

"Did you hear the result of the American expedition?" asked Melick.

"Yes," replied the doctor. "Wilkes pretends to have found a continent,
but his account of it makes it quite evident to my mind that he saw
nothing but ice. I believe tha