Page:Neuroomia.djvu/33

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A NEW CONTINENT.
21

to accept some of my sovereigns, but could only induce him to take one, and I could see that he did this only by way of courtesy. The young lady also declined to take one of my new coins; so I consigned the bag to my pocket, reflecting that they might be useful in purchasing a suit of clothes similar to those worn by my companions. We now went up a staircase to a large and magnificently furnished room. My friend who presented me with the bag, then showed me a very comfortable-looking bedroom close by, which he gave me to understand would be mine.

My ambition now was to acquire a knowledge of the language, and I felt sure my new friend would be willing to teach me; so I held up a few articles, which he named, then, pointing to himself, he uttered the word “Folbrizzio”, which I understood to be his name. I immediately patted my chest, and exclaimed, “Captain Periwinkle”. So we were now introduced, and on the best of terms. We repaired to the balcony, and I sat down to contemplate the beauty of the scene before me—the bay with its many islands—when some dark objects moving in the air above the distant horizon attracted my attention. They were evidently coming towards us. Nearer and nearer they came. What