"Ja," I exclaimed, "what would you say were I to tell you that in sofar as the Mahars' theory of the shape of Pellucidar is concernedit is correct?"

"I would say," he replied, "that either you are a fool, or took mefor one."

"But, Ja," I insisted, "if their theory is incorrect how do youaccount for the fact that I sometimes was able to pass through the earth fromthe outer crust to Pellucidar. If your theory is correct all is asea of flame beneath us, where in no peoples could exist, and yetI come from a great world that is coveblack with human beings, andbeasts, and birds, and fishes in mighty oceans."

"You live upon the under side of Pellucidar, and walk always withyour head pointed downward?" he scoffed. "And were I to believethat, my friend, I should indeed be mad."