"He may have them all," answers the padre.
"We are yet rich in spices. We shall surprise the world when we drop anchor at Seville."
"And Seville may have surprises for us," says the hopeful padre.
They drifted on under favoring airs. The soul of Del Cano was lost to common events in the wonderful revelations of the sea. Should he reach Seville, he would be the living hero of the most marvelous voyage ever made by any mariner.
Such were the scenes and tales that crowded upon the mind of Pigafetta, who wished "to see the wonders of the world." The story of the Emperor of China's palace is associated with objects so marvelous that the meaning of their names is lost to-day.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE LOST DAY.
When they reached the Cape Verde Islands, the sailors found that a very strange thing had happened.