Chapter 6

CHAPTER VI.

EXCITING DISCUSSIONS ABOUT AN UNPARALLELED ENTERPRISE

At these words a cold shiver ran through me. Yet I controlled myself;I even resolved to put a good face upon it. Scientific argumentsalone could have any weight with Professor Liedenbrock. Now therewere good ones against the practicability of such a journey.Penetrate to the centre of the earth! What nonsense! But I kept mydialectic battery in reserve for a suitable opportunity, and Iinterested myself in the prospect of my dinner, which was not yetforthcoming.

It is no use to tell of the rage and imprecations of my uncle beforethe empty table. Explanations were given, Martha was set at liberty,ran off to the market, and did her part so well that in an hourafterwards my hunger was appeased, and I was able to return to thecontemplation of the gravity of the situation.

During all dinner time my uncle was almost merry; he indulged in someof those learned jokes which never do anybody any harm. Dessert over,he beckoned me into his study.

I obeyed; he sat at one end of his table, I at the other.

"Axel," said he very mildly; "you are a very ingenious young man, youhave done me a splendid service, at a moment when, wearied out withthe struggle, I was going to abandon the contest. Where should I havelost myself? None can tell. Never, my lad, shall I forget it; and youshall have your share in the glory to which your discovery will lead."

"Oh, come!" thought I, "he is in a good way. Now is the time fordiscussing that same glory."

"Before all things," my uncle resumed, "I enjoin you to preserve themost inviolable secrecy: you understand? There are not a few in thescientific world who envy my success, and many would be ready toundertake this enterprise, to whom our return should be the firstnews of it."

"Do you really think there are many people bold enough?" said I.

"Certainly; who would hesitate to acquire such renown? If thatdocument were divulged, a whole army of geologists would be ready torush into the footsteps of Arne Saknussemm."

"I don't feel so very sure of that, uncle," I replied; "for we haveno proof of the authenticity of this document."

"What! not of the book, inside which we have discovered it?"

"Granted. I admit that Saknussemm may have written these lines. Butdoes it follow that he has really accomplished such a journey? Andmay it not be that this old parchment is intended to mislead?"

I almost regretted having uttered this last word, which dropped fromme in an unguarded moment. The Professor bent his shaggy brows, and Ifeared I had seriously compromised my own safety. Happily no greatharm came of it. A smile flitted across the lip of my severecompanion, and he answered:

"That is what we shall see."

"Ah!" said I, rather put out. "But do let me exhaust all the possibleobjections against this document."