is deflected from the outside--by some external force or resistance--the
steering wheel within would have moved in response. The steering
wheel has not budged, David, since we started. You know that."

I did know it; but here we were with our drill racing in pure air,
and copious volumes of it pouring into the cabin.

"We couldn't have turned in the ice stratum, Perry, I know as well
as you," I replied; "but the fact remains that we did, for here we
are this minute at the surface of the earth again, and I am going
out to see just where."

"Better wait till morning, David--it must be midnight now."

I glanced at the chronometer.

"Half after twelve. We have been out seventy-two hours, so it
must be midnight. Nevertheless I am going to have a look at the
blessed sky that I had given up all hope of ever seeing again,"
and so saying I lifted the bars from the inner door, and swung it
open. There was quite a quantity of loose material in the jacket,
and this I had to remove with a shovel to get at the opposite door
in the outer shell.

In a short time I had removed enough of the earth and rock to the
floor of the cabin to expose the door beyond. Perry was directly
behind me as I threw it open. The upper half was above the surface
of the ground. With an expression of surprise I turned and looked
at Perry--it was broad daylight without!