on, instead of a
place where mechanical development was far advanced. Because Dick was
the leader of the party, the others began to look at him with hatred;
Morquil was almost forgotten.

When the last piece of equipment was covered with heavy tarpaulins, they
constructed a shelter against one side of the pile. It was almost dark
when everything was finished, and the captain decided to wait until the
next day to sail. Everyone was invited on board the _Primrose_, for a
farewell party.

Dick was forced to call a meeting in the main cabin, to forestall danger
of the party deserting with the ship. Morquil had instructed him
carefully.

"Friends, we are facing a great adventure. I'm in no different position
than you, except that as leader I am responsible for whatever happens. I
must take all blame for whatever comes, yet know that it will eventually
work out as we expected.

"You all know that it is forbidden to talk about this trip, or to
surmise our destination. I can assure you that it is done for your
benefit, and later you will appreciate the fact that you did _not_ know
the future. I can't say what the next few days will bring to all of us,
but be assured that everything you have been promised will be fulfilled.

"At the moment it seems impossible that things can turn out as we
expected, but they _will_! You must simply be patient, and do not lose
faith in this great adventure."

As Dick finished his speech, Morquil smiled, well satisfied. Dolores
even smiled faintly, although it required effort to overcome her feeling
of disaster.

The following morning everyone went ashore, and John McCarthy went
around trying to aid Barrow in cheering up the party. He lied like a
trooper, whispering to everyone that he had discovered something that
satisfied _him_ about the marvelous civilization they would reach before
long.

Word of this reached Morquil, and he hurriedly called Dick and John out
of sound of the others. He appeared almost frightened, and the moment
they were alone, he spoke.

"What have you learned? I wanted you to know nothing, and it is better
if you are ignorant. Whatever you learned is too much, and may upset the
future."

John started to laugh, then seeing the expression of agony on the face
of Morquil, he stopped short. "Don't worry. I haven't learned
_anything_! I simply tried to help Dick keep the people satisfied. They
were getting so restless they _needed_ something. In my home town I was