A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder James De Mille

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"Yes," said the doctor, "but how did they get to the South Pole?"
"That," said Oxenden, "is a question which I do not feel bound to
answer."
"Oh, it is easy enough to answer that," said Melick. "They, of course,
dug through the earth."
Oxenden gave a groan.
"I think I'll turn in for the night," said he, rising. Upon this the
others rose also and followed his example.
On the following morning the calm still continued. None of the party
rose until very late, and then over the breakfast-table they discussed
the manuscript once more, each from his own point of view, Melick
still asserting a contemptuous scepticism--Oxenden and the doctor
giving reasons for their faith, and Featherstone listening without
saying much on either side.
At length it was proposed to resume the reading of the manuscript,
which task would now devolve upon Oxenden. They adjourned to the deck,
where all disposed themselves in easy attitudes to listen to the
continuation of More's narrative.
CHAPTER XVIII
A VOYAGE OVER THE POLE
The discovery of our love had brought a crisis in our fate for me and
Almah. The Kohen hailed it with joy, for now was the time when he
would be able to present us to the Kohen Gadol. Our doom was certain
and inevitable. We were to be taken to the amir; we were to be kept
until the end of the dark season, and then we were both to be publicly
sacrificed. After this our bodies were to be set apart for the hideous
rites of the Mista Kosek. Such was the fate that lay before us.
The Kohen was now anxious to take us to the amir. I might possibly
have persuaded him to postpone our departure, but I saw no use in