in Saint Paul's days the men of Athens longed for:
something new.

Hence then it was no wonder that Rodd, as he paced the schooner's deck
and looked across to either side of the river where the primeval forest
commenced, felt the strange longing to go and see, to hunt and find the
myriads of fresh things upon which he had never set eyes before--wonders
that might be more than wonderful--dangers which would be exciting,
possibly without danger; in short, all the boy's natural love of
adventure was stirring within him--that intense longing to cast away
culture in every shape and to become, if for ever so short a time,
something of the natural savage once more; and he was ready to urge on
his uncle to go for just one expedition, only there was a sense of duty
to hold him back.

And as the time went on, and the brig was rapidly approaching
completion, Uncle Paul more than once angrily exclaimed to his nephew--

"Pickle, I wish that abominable Spaniard was on the other side of the
world!"

"So do I, uncle," cried the boy. "We were getting on as nicely as could
be, with plenty to interest us, and fresh adventures, and then he comes
here setting us longing to go off into the wilds."

"Yes, my boy, and if it wasn't for the Count and the sense of duty we
feel towards him? we would be off to-morrow morning."

"Well, why not go?" said a voice just behind them.

Rodd and his uncle started round in astonishment, for they were both so
intent upon their conversation, as they leaned over the rail talking
together, that they had not heard anybody approach, and for a moment
they were utterly speechless as they stood staring at the Count, who had
just come on board, while Morny was climbing up the side to join him.

"I--I didn't know you were here," said the doctor confusedly.

"Why, you asked me to come on board and dine and spend the evening with
you," replied the Count good-humouredly. "Had you forgotten?"

"Well--well," said the doctor, "I--Really, I'm afraid I had. What--what
have you been about?" he continued, turning angrily upon Rodd. "It's a
strange thing, Rodney, that when you know of some engagement that I have
made, and it slips my memory, you never remind me of it."

"Well, uncle--I--"

"Well, uncle--you! I remember now well enough. You were there this
morning when I asked the Count and--Ah, Morny, my lad! How are you?
Glad you have come.--But, as I was saying, what were you thinking
about?"

"Expeditio