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 sojourn tiresome. The last marvel is always the greatest, and if we go on at this rate I do not know what we shall eventually arrive at. My opinion is that we shall ever have such another experience.”

“Never, Conseil.”

“Besides this Captain Nemo, who fully justifies his Latin name, as he is not any more trouble than if he never existed.”

“Just so, Conseil.”

“I think, therefore, if Monsieur has no objection, that a happy new year will be one which may permit is to see everything”

“To see everything! Why, that will take a very long time. What does Ned Land say?"

“Ned Land is of the exactly opposite opinion,” replied Conseil. “He has certainly an obstinate brain and a powerful appetite. Look at the fish he is always eating, and is never satisfied. The want of wine, bread, and meat does not agree with a worthy Saxon, to whom beef-steaks are familiar, and who is not alarmed at brandy and gin.”

“So far as I am concerned, Conseil, that is not the point that troubles me. I can get on very well with the supplies on board.”

“So can I,” replied Conseil. “So I think as much about stopping here as Master Land does of escaping. Therefore, if the new year is not good for me, it may be so for him, and vice versâ. In this way, somebody is sure to be satisfied. So, in conclusion, I wish Monsieur whatever pleases him best.”

“Thank you, Conseil; but I must ask you to remit, for the present, the question of New Year’s gifts; and,