“In truth, I cannot say,” replied the engineer, “but the probability is that we are somewhere in the Pacific. When we left Richmond the wind was northeast, and its very violence proves that its direction did not vary much. Supposing it unchanged, we crossed North and South Carolina, Georgia, the Gulf of Mexico, and the narrow part of Mexico, and a portion of the Pacific Ocean. I do not estimate the distance traversed by the balloon at less than 6,000 or 7,000 miles, and even if the wind had varied a half a quarter it would have carried us either to the Marquesas Islands or to the Low Archipelago; or, if it was stronger than I suppose, as far as New Zealand. If this last hypothesis is correct, our return home will be easy. English or Maoris, we shall always find somebody with whom to speak. If, on the other hand, this coast belongs to some barren island in the Micronesian Archipelago, perhaps we can reconnoitre it from the summit of this mountain, and then we will consider how to establish ourselves here as if we were never going to leave it.” “Never?” cried the reporter. “Do you say never, my dear Cyrus?” “It is better to put things in their worst light at first,” answered the engineer; “and to reserve those which are better, as a surprise.” “Well said,” replied Pencroff. “And we hope that this island, if it is an island, will not be situated just outside of the route of ships; for that would, indeed, be unlucky.” “We will know how to act after having first ascended the mountain,” answered Smith. “But will you be able, Mr. Smith, to make the climb tomorrow?” asked Herbert. “I hope so,” answered the engineer, “if Pencroff and you, my boy, show yourselves to be good and ready hunters.” “Mr. Smith,” said the sailor, “since you are speaking of game, if when I come back I am as sure of getting it roasted as I am of bringing it—” “Bring it, nevertheless,” interrupted Smith. It was now agreed that the engineer and the reporter should spend the day at the Chimneys, in order to examine the shore and the plateau, while Neb, Herbert, and the sailor were to return to the forest, renew the supply of wood, and lay hands on every bird and beast that should cross their path. So, at 6 o’clock, the party left, Herbert confident. Neb happy, and Pencroff muttering to himself:— “If, when I get back I find a fire in the house, it will have been the lightning that lit it!” The three climbed the bank, and having reached the turn in the river, the sailor stopped and said to his companions:— “Shall we begin as hunters or wood-choppers?” “Hunters,” answered Herbert. “See Top, who is already at it.” “Let us hunt, then,” replied the sailor, “and on our return here we will lay in our stock of wood.” This said, the party made three clubs for themselves, and followed Top, who was jumping about in the high grass.