The ship was much delayed in the Region of the Calms, as it is called;
that is, near the equator.
After a while the astronomical dialogue was resumed.
“Well, James, look now at your twinkling friends, and tell where you
are.
I suppose by the North Polar star resting upon the waters to the north,
that we must be now nearly on the top of the hill, by the equator.
We are so, my lad. But what time did the sun rise this morning?
At six, and it set at exactly six this evening.
Do you know what day of the month it is?
The twenty-third of September.
Have you ever observed the sun to rise and set at six o’clock before,
on the voyage?
No, father.
Well, then, you will recollect hereafter that you were upon the equator
on the twenty-third of September, when there was equal day and night.
But did you not know of equal day and night at home?
Yes; about half-way between winter and summer.
Just so; that is, at the end of September.
Why should it be so there in England and here too?
We will try and find out. I think I have pointed out to you the
Pleiades.