But does it follow that he has really accomplished such a journey?
And may it not be that this old parchment is intended to mislead ?" I almost regretted having uttered this last word, which dropped from me in an unguarded moment.

The Professor bent his shaggy brows, and I feared I had seriously compromised my own safety.

Happily no great harm came of it.

A smile flitted across the lip of my severe companion, and he answered: "That is what we shall see." "Ah!" said I, rather put out.

"But do let me exhaust all the possible objections against this document." "Speak, my boy, don't be afraid.