"The seductive influence of travel drew me onward," replied Gartney, crossing his legs and folding his hands. "After all you might as well have come with me that time at Venice, instead of going off to Central Europe."
"Oh, I've been to America since then."
"Yes, so I heard. Same man you went that Carpathian trip with?"
"Yes. Awfully good sort of fellow, but a mania for wild life. He was here a few minutes ago, wanting me to start off to Africa on another expedition."
"And you, being very comfortably settled here, declined."
"Rather! I like breathing time you know. Will you have a cigarette?" said Angus, holding out his open case.
"No, thank you. I've contracted the vice of pipe-smoking," replied Eustace, producing a well-worn briar-root, and filling it leisurely. "You've got very pleasant rooms here."
"Yes, are they not? I bought the whole box and dice just as they stand from Bamfield. Got them at a bargain, much to the delight of Johnnie."
"Is Johnnie still with you?"
"Of course! he's part and parcel of my life, and circumnavigated the globe with me, like a Scotch Sir Francis Drake. Do you want a light? Here you are."