Page:Twenty Thousand Verne Frith 1876.pdf/195



CHAPTER XX.

TORRES STRAIT.

the night of the 27th December the Nautilus quitted Vanikoro, and resumed her voyage at a great speed. We sailed S.E., and in three days had cleared the 750 leagues which divide the Isles of La Pérouse from the S.E. point of Papua.

Very early in the morning of the 1st January, 1863, Conseil joined me on the platform.

"Monsieur,” said he, “Monsieur, will allow me to wish him a happy new year.”

“What, Conseil! Just as if I were in my study at the Jardin des Plantes at Paris? I accept your good wishes, and thank you heartily. But I would ask you what you mean by the happy new year under present circumstances? Will the year put an end to our imprisonment, or see the end of this strange voyage?”

“Faith,” replied Conseil, “I do not know what to say to Monsieur. It is certain that we have seen some curious things, and for two months have not found our