Sometimes, however, when the conversation bore on some interesting subject the hour for sleep was delayed for a time. The colonists then spoke of the future, and talked willingly of the changes which a voyage in the schooner to inhabited lands would make in their situation. But always, in the midst of these plans, prevailed the thought of a subsequent return to Lincoln Island. Never would they abandon this colony, founded with so much labour and with such success, and to which a communication with America would afford a fresh impetus. Pencroft and Neb especially hoped to end their days there. "Herbert," said the sailor, "you will never abandon Lincoln Island?" "Never, Pencroft, and especially if you make up your mind to stay there." "That was made up long ago, my boy," answered Pencroft. "I shall expect you. You will bring me your wife and children, and I shall make jolly little chaps of your youngsters!" "That's agreed," replied Herbert, laughing and blushing at the same time. "And you, Captain Harding," resumed Pencroft enthusiastically, "you will be still the governor of the island! Ah! how many inhabitants could it support? Ten thousand at least!" They talked in this way, allowing Pencroft to run on, and at last the reporter actually started a newspaper--the _New Lincoln Herald_! So is man's heart. The desire to perform a work which will endure, which will survive him, is the origin of his superiority over all other living creatures here below. It is this which has established his dominion, and this it is which justifies it, over all the world. After that, who knows if Jup and Top had not themselves their little dream of the future. Ayrton silently said to himself that he would like to see Lord Glenarvan again and show himself to all restored. One evening, on the 15th of October, the conversation was prolonged later than usual. It was nine o'clock. Already, long badly-concealed yawns gave warning of the hour of rest, and Pencroft was proceeding towards his bed, when the electric bell, placed in the dining-room, suddenly rang. All were there, Cyrus Harding, Gideon Spilett, Herbert, Ayrton, Pencroft, Neb. Therefore none of the colonists were at the corral. Cyrus Harding rose. His companions stared at each other, scarcely believing their ears. "What does that mean?" cried Neb. "Was it the devil who rang it?" No one answered. "The weather is stormy," observed Herbert. "Might not its influence of electricity--" Herbert did not finish his phrase. The engineer, towards whom all eyes were turned, shook his head negatively. "We must wait," said Gideon Spilett. "If it is a signal, whoever it may be who has made it, he will renew it." "But who do you think it is?" cried Neb. "Who?" answered Pencroft, "but he--" The sailor's sentence was cut short by a new tinkle of the bell. Harding went to the apparatus, and sent this question to the corral:-- "What do you want?"