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Rh any prospect of returning, but this, however, notwithstanding the President's sanguine expectations, I considered to be very remote.

Onneyubla now came to the rescue by stating that in the event of the departure of an expedition, it was not the desire of the Government, unless I expressly wished it, that I should accompany it.

I replied that I had no longing to leave Neuroomia at present; that I was very happy here, indeed; that it was questionable if I could be more so elsewhere.

Yondozi here interjected that he was ready at any moment to set out to examine the channel and icefield, with a view to ascertain if it were possible for a ship to get through. I observed that I should like to be one of his party, and to this he readily agreed. I was anxious to go with him, partly on account of the change, and partly in the hope of learning something of the Penguin.

"If the vessel should manage to clear the ice in safety, would it take them long to reach another continent?" inquired Onneyubla.

"No," I answered. "Australia and South America are not far distant, and perhaps they could make Tasmania or New Zealand in even a shorter time. However, I will undertake to