“There isn't an underground river, is there?"

The museum guide quickly covered the condensed version of the fairy tale. With some time left before closing, Jonathan followed him on a quick tour of the museum exhibits. 

After the most exciting reveal, Jonathan lost interest in the remaining items. He examined them all carefully and thoroughly, but soon, the closing time arrived, and he was politely escorted out of the museum.

Instead of returning to base, he found a secluded, quiet spot to sit and organize his thoughts. 

His biggest takeaway was Melville's fairy tale. No photos were allowed in the museum, but Jonathan's hidden camera snapped a picture of the human skin book's cover. The book wasn't displayed open, so he had no clue about the symbols inside or how they were deciphered.

Two things about the story and its creator stood out:

First, the content of Melville's story might not be entirely credible.

Second, there could be errors in the scientists' interpretation.