"I know you say so; but this is the favour I ask: don't start until you see me again."
"Hem! But—"
"I must get home on important business at once. My house is but twenty miles distant; I shall soon be back."
"But when?" cautiously asked the emigrant.
"Tomorrow, or the next day at the latest."
"That is a long delay," continued Joshua.
"I do not deny it. But as your paradise, your El Dorado, your beautiful country will not probably run away, you are bound to reach it sooner or later. Besides," urged Samuel, "it is important, very important, we should meet again."
"As you will, my brother," sighed Joshua; "I give you my word to wait until the day after tomorrow at seven o'clock in the morning—no later."
"That will suit me admirably," cried the farmer; "so good-bye for the present."
And with a bow to all, and a smile to Diana, he hurried out of the room.