keeping the record so carefully, so religiously. And--pitiful
Lord! How gladly would I have given my good right arm, just for
one faraway glimpse of civilisation! How often--but I am
wearying you, gentlemen, and you may--pray don't think that I am
crazy; you will not?"

Both the professor and Bruno assured him to the contrary, but
Waldo was less affected, and his curiosity could no longer be
kept within bounds. Gently tapping one hairy arm, he spoke:

"I say, friend, what were you doing out yonder in the big suck?
Didn't you know the fun was hardly equal to the risk, sir?"

"Easy, lad," reproved the professor; but with a a smile, which
strangely softened that haggard, weather-worn visage, the
stranger spoke:

"Nay, kind sir, do not check the young gentleman. If you could
only realise how sweet it is to my poor ears,--the sound of a
friendly voice! For so many weary years I have never heard one
word from human lips which I could understand or make answer to.
And now,--what is it you wish to know, my dear boy?"

"Well, since you've lived here so long, surely you hadn't ought
to get caught in such a nasty pickle; unless it was through
accident?"

"It was partly accidental. One that would have cost me dearly
had not you come to my aid so opportunely. And yet,--only for
one thing, I could scarcely have regretted vanishing for ever