228 The Island of

“Come in,” said Professor Menu, flinging
open the door which led to the
crater. I entered. Stretch-
ing across a great part
of the main crater was
a vast silver grill, on
which were placed
various _ recently
invented sorts of
meat, all frizzling and
popping merrily. My
hunger was dreadful.
I sniffed round feebly,
and burst into tears.
~ On various little
fiery holes round the
crater were stewpans,
frying-pans, — sauce-
pans,and soon. A stream of
boiling water issued from the
crater and formed a conve-
nient pool in which fowls,
fish, and vegetables were boil-
ing. The stream also heated receptacles
for keeping the plates hot. In front of a