Chapter LXIII: Conclusion

About two years after these events, the following paragraphs appeared in a number of the journals of the times:

"A correspondent, writing from Symarkellil, says that the ascent of
one of the highest peaks of the Caucasus was made late in May by
two intrepid French tourists, M. and Madame M----. The latter, a
tall and remarkably handsome brunette, donned male attire and
shared all the dangers of this dangerous expedition. The guides
could not say enough in praise of her courage, coolness, and
gaiety. It is said that these two untiring travellers afterwards
started across the steppes to Saint Petersburg in order to reach
there in time to join Captain Moradoff's expedition to the North
Pole. The numerous letters from influential persons which they took
with them to the court of Russia lead them to hope that they will
obtain the favour they ask, and that they will be allowed to take
part in this perilous expedition to the polar seas."

"A correspondent, writing from Hyeres under date of December 29th, says:

"A singular instance of extraordinary vegetation lately presented itself in this neighbourhood. Rumours of an orange-tree in full bloom at this season of the year were current, and as we seemed to doubt these reports, a friend, to convince us, took us to a small country-seat on the coast a few miles from here. There, in a quincunx of orange-trees, we saw, with our own eyes, a superb tree literally covered with buds and blossoms which perfumed the air for hundreds of yards around. We were more than repaid for the trouble of our journey by the sight of this freak of nature, and the cordial welcome given us by the master and mistress of the house,--M. and Madame Michel."

THE END.