"Awfully wise," cried Samuel, laughing, "when in the end I only carry out all your insane ideas." "True! But still you were generally right. The fact is, if you speak words of wisdom, and then act a little the other way, it is simply out of love for me. I know it, my brother. I am not ungrateful, and love you dearly." "I don't doubt your affection. But you alarm me." "Why?" said Joshua, laughing. "Whenever you talk like this, I smell a rat, in the shape of some awful scheme, some diabolical plot." "I see you are not to be easily deceived," said Joshua; "but come in, let us eat, and then talk. The matter of which I wish to speak is of general interest." "As you will; but still I am monstrously afraid." "I know you are a great coward," cried Joshua. At this moment they reached the house, alighted, and, giving the horses to the servants, entered the parlour, escorted by Dardar, who had come to meet them. The two ladies received Samuel cordially. "Here he is at last, Susan," said her husband. "He has been anxious about you all day," cried Susan. "Then he has some mad scheme. But we shall see presently. Good evening, Diana, my dear. You look well." "A truce to compliments," cried Joshua; "to supper." They now entered the dining room, where the whole household was collected, men, women, and children. Of course, enormous quantities of meat, bread, and vegetables adorned the board. The repast was truly Homeric. After dinner the servants retired, and the ladies would have done the same, but Joshua detained them. The ladies seated themselves with a rather uneasy glance. He poured out a stiff glass for himself and brother and drank his off. "Thank heaven!" he began, "We are now solidly established in our new dwelling, and it is time to speak of business." "Hilloa! Talk business now? It is late. Why can we not put off our business arrangements until tomorrow?" "You forget, my brother, I sent for you on purpose--" "I remember--well, go on, I am at your orders." "Harry, have you obeyed my orders?" asked Joshua. "Yes, father," replied the young man. "All right," continued the squatter, refilling his glass. "Your health, all of you. In an hour, I'm off." "Off!" cried the ladies, in great alarm. "Hem!" said Samuel; "If you are not satisfied here, I am." "I don't want to drag you into my affairs," replied Joshua, coolly. "But I shall not be long away. It is only a journey." "I thought," exclaimed Samuel, "he was as mad as ever; will you explain the object of this journey or exploration?" "One which you will highly approve, my brother," he went on. "I desire to open up commercial relations." "Very good idea. But what is your precise motive?" "I have said enough. I think my object serious." "Well, if you have no more to say, stop at home." "Will you tell me why?" asked Joshua. "Because your voyage is utterly useless. All the information you can desire to obtain I can give you in ten minutes." "You!" cried Joshua, wildly.