"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?"