human
It is an imperative fact,
gpt
It is certain, replied Glenarvan,
human
I will see about that.
gpt
You cannot face such a storm,
human
I, madam? Certainly. I fear only for my baggage and instruments. They will all be lost.
gpt
Our landing is the only thing doubtful, resumed Glenarvan.
human
Once at Villa-Praïa, you will not have very uncomfortable quarters; rather uncleanly, to be sure, in the company of monkeys and swine, whose surroundings are not always agreeable; but a traveler does not regard that so critically. Besides, you can hope in seven or eight months to embark for Europe.
gpt
Seven or eight months!
human
At least that. The Cape Verd Islands are very rarely frequented during the rainy season. But you can employ your time profitably. This archipelago is still little known. There is much to do, even now.
gpt
But, replied Paganel in a pitiful tone,
human
That is really a pity, said Lady Helena.
gpt
What will become of you, Monsieur Paganel?
human
You had decidedly better have landed at Madeira, rejoined Glenarvan,
gpt
My dear Glenarvan, continued Paganel at last,
human
At Concepcion.
gpt
Alas! but that would bring me directly away from India!
human
No; for when you have passed Cape Horn you approach the Indies.
gpt
I very much doubt it.
human
Besides, continued Glenarvan with the greatest gravity,
gpt
The inhabitants of the Pampas of Patagonia are Indians as well as the natives of the Punjab.
human
Eh! my lord, exclaimed Paganel,
gpt
And then, my dear Paganel, you know that you can gain the gold medal in any country whatever. There is something to do, to seek, to discover, everywhere, in the chains of the Cordilleras as well as the mountains of Thibet.
human
But the course of the Yaroo-tsang-bo-tsoo?
gpt
Certainly. You can replace that by the Rio Colorado. This is a river very little known, and one of those which flow on the map too much according to the fancy of the geographer.
human
I know it, my dear lord; there are errors of several degrees. I do not doubt that at my request the Society would have sent me to Patagonia as well as to India; but I did not think of it.
gpt
The result of your continual abstraction.
human
Well, Monsieur Paganel, shall you accompany us?
gpt
And my mission, madam?
human
I inform you that we shall pass through the Strait of Magellan,
gpt
My lord, you are a tempter.
human
I add that we shall visit Port Famine.
gpt
Port Famine! cried the Frenchman, assailed on all sides;
human
Consider also, Monsieur Paganel, continued Lady Helena,
gpt
Yes; doubtless.
human
A geographer may be very serviceable to our expedition; and what is more noble than for science to enlist in the service of humanity?
gpt
That is well said, madam.
human
Believe me, try chance, or rather Providence. Imitate us. It has sent us this document; we have started. It has cast you on board the Duncan; do not leave her.
gpt
And do you, indeed, wish me, my good friends? replied Paganel.
human
Well, you desire me to stay very much?
gpt
And you, Paganel, you are dying to stay,
human
Truly, cried the geographer,