reverenced as Saints, and, who, from the accounts given of them,
were demented. Why, it is even claimed that there is but one step from
the abnormally gifted to the insane person."

"Is that really so regarded among learned men?"

"It has been the subject of many remarkable books which have been
written to show that genius and insanity are closely allied. Take, for
instance, the case of Blind Tom, an ignorant negro, who, although he
could not read, nor did he know a single note of music, was able,
nevertheless, to play the most marvelous music, and repeat, at a single
hearing, an entire musical score."

"But such talents, as that, I have heard, is only in some particular
direction. He was not able to do anything else," suggested George.

"Quite true. But it is so with what is called genius. I once knew a
learned minister, a leading professor in one of the colleges, who was
absolutely devoid of any other phase of education, except theology. He
could not master the first rudiments of mathematics, and knew no more of
astronomy than a ten year old boy, but he was supreme in his particular
branch of knowledge."

But the great question with John and the boys was the future. Two
islands had been discovered. Some of the mysteries of the past three
years had been solved, but others still remained; in fact, those which
interested them the most, were still shrouded in a veil through which
there was only the slightest glimpse.

John felt that their first duty would be thoroughly to explore the
island to the north and west of the village, and thus enable them to
make a complete report when they returned to Wonder Island, and this
course was finally decided upon.

The spirit of John had now entered Ephraim. He had fully agreed to
accompany them in the _Pioneer_, and learn of their great work on that
island. He said that it was his duty to his children and to the natives
who had stood by him so nobly, to provide for their future welfare.

He was most active in arousing the people to an understanding of the
mission of John and the boys. Within a day, all preparations were made
for the journey through the island, and Ephraim was with them in order
to learn all that might be necessary, so that when he returned he could
advise the people.

For more than a week they tramped through the attractive portions of the
land, and then the day was set for departure.

"I have been thinking of making a trip to your friends in the South,"