Page:Works of Jules Verne - Parke - Vol 1.djvu/216

182 Sir F. M.'s speech; it was without doubt the greatest oratorical success of the Royal Geographical Society within the memory of man.

In England, enthusiasm is not by any means confined to words. It can produce money more quickly than the machinery of the Royal Mint. A sum of 2,500 was immediately voted and placed at Doctor Ferguson's disposal. The subscription was in proportion to the importance of the undertaking.

One of the members of the Society asked the President whether Doctor Ferguson might not be officially presented. "The doctor awaits the pleasure of the meeting," replied Sir Francis M.

"Let him come in!" they cried; "admit him! It is right that we should become acquainted with a man of such extraordinary daring."

"Perhaps," said an old apoplectic commodore, " this incredible suggestion is nothing but a hoax after all."

"I do not suppose that there is any such person," said a malicious member.

"We must invent him then," replied a joking associate. "Request Doctor Ferguson to be good enough to come in," said Sir Francis M, quietly.

The doctor accordingly made his appearance, and was greeted with thunders of applause. He did not, however, appear to be in the least elated by his reception. He was a man of about forty years of age, of no remarkable exterior. His sanguine temperament displayed itself in the ruddiness of his complexion. His face was impassive, with regular features and a prominent nose. This was like the prow of a vessel the nose of a man destined for discovery. His eyes were soft, and, being more intelligent than bold, imparted a great charm to his face. His arms were long, and his feet were planted upon the floor with the firmness of a practical pedestrian. A certain quiet self-possession pervaded the doctor's whole appearance, and no one could believe him capable of the most innocent hoax.

The shouts and plaudits never for one moment ceased until Doctor Ferguson intimated his desire for silence by a gesture. He advanced towards the arm-chair prepared for his reception, then, standing perfectly upright, with a determined expression of countenance he pointed the