The Dr. Lorien, of whom mention had been made by Leonard, was a retired medical practitioner who had turned botanist and orchid-collector. He had been a ship's doctor, and in that capacity had voyaged pretty well all over the world. Since he had given that up he had travelled further still by land--in the tropical regions in the heart of Africa, in Siam, the Malay Peninsular and, latterly, in South America--in search of orchids and other rare floral and botanical specimens. The vicinity of Roraima being one of the most remarkable in the world for such things--though so difficult of access as to be but seldom visited by white men--it is not surprising that he had lately planned a journey thither. From this journey the doctor and his son were now daily expected back. One of the Indians of their party had, indeed, already arrived, having been despatched in advance, a few days before, to announce their safe return. Thus it came about that Templemore and Maud, while still talking, were not greatly surprised at the sudden appearance of Matava, who stated that he had come down with the doctor's party, who would follow very quickly on his heels. Maud, who knew the Indian and his mother well, received him kindly; and, to his great delight, was able to inform him that his 'young master'--as he always called Leonard Elwood--had returned to Georgetown, and was at present with them. Matava had, indeed, expected this, for he had heard of Leonard's intention at his last visit to the coast some six months before. He was greatly pleased to find he was not to be disappointed in his expectation. Moreover, the Indian declared, he had news for him--"news of the greatest importance"--and begged to be allowed to see him at once. So Maud sent him into the house--where he knew his way about perfectly--to find Leonard; and then, turning to Templemore, she said, laughing, "I wonder what his 'important' intelligence can be? Some deeper secret than usual that his old nurse has to tell him, I suppose." "I hope it's nothing likely to rouse a further desire to set off on this mad-cap expedition he has so long had in his mind," Templemore returned; "for," looking at her with a sigh, "if he _should_ make up his mind to start, I am, in effect, pledged to go too, whether I wish or not." "Why should you expect it? and how are you obliged to go?" Maud inquired with evident uneasiness.