chapter (2) A)AXEL SOLVES THE SECRET CODE Axel tried to break the secret code of the parchment. He tried every combination of letters to form Latin words but he failed. By chance, he read two Latin words "crater of the earth". This enabled him to read and understand the message. The message was surprising. The man said he was able to go to the center of the earth. Axel decided not to tell his uncle about his discovery. He was sure the Professor would insist on doing it himself. He wanted to burn the parchment but couldn't as the Professor entered at the same moment. B) AXEL TELLS HIS UNCLEABOUT HIS DISCOVERY The Professor spent the night and part of the day looking at the parchment and trying to break the secret code, but be couldn't. he stopped eating and could not sleep. So, Axel felt sorry for him and told him about his discovery. The message said, "Go down into the crater of Sneffles which was touched by the shadow of scartairs before July. You will reach the center of the earth as I did. "The Professor became very happy. He gave a great cry and jumped to his feet and the books flew everywhere. C) THE PROFESSOR'S DECISION TO MAKE THE JOURNEY The Professor and Axel had their dinner. The Professor decided to make the journey to the centre of the earth. The Professor sat in his study and praised Axel's cleverness. He asked Axel to bring the Atlas. They saw the places that Arne had mentioned ذكرها in his message. Sneffles was an extinct volcano. It had not erupted since 1229. It had several craters but one of them only led to the centre of the earth. Axel told his uncle that the volcano might erupt and that the centre of the earth was very hot. The Professor did not change his mind. They would see for themselves. They would leave for Iceland in two days.