CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The South Pole

I immediately ran to the platform. Yes, the sea was open! I saw a great number of birds in the air and various types of fish under those waters. The thermometer showed three degrees centigrade.

We decided to step onto the icy land. I allowed the captain the first steps on this new region.

"Sir," said the captain, "the reason I choose to step onto this land is because no other man has ever stepped here," he explained. He then walked onto the icy ground, which was made up of mainly reddish, sandy stone, which had come from the explosions of volcanoes millions of years ago.

The next day, the 20th of March, Conseil and I explored the region, discovering a great many seals living on the South Pole, as well as a number of other mysterious animals.

(end of section)