although there was nothing doing at all.


MAIA.

Then why did it stop--though there was nothing to be done?


PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Can't say. No one got out or in; but all the same the train stopped a
long, endless time. And at every station I could make out that there
were two railway men walking up and down the platform--one with a
lantern in his hand--and they said things to each other in the night,
low, and toneless, and meaningless.


MAIA.

Yes, that is quite true. There are always two men walking up and down,
and talking---


PROFESSOR RUBEK.

--of nothing. [Changing to a livelier tone.] But just wait till to-
morrow. Then we shall have the great luxurious steamer lying in
the harbour. We'll go on board her, and sail all round the coast--
northward ho!--right to the polar sea.