"I'd be glad to go in any capacity—"
"Have you special qualifications? Knowledge of the language? Of archæology?"
"No."
The professor picked up a tray of letters. "These letters—more than three hundred—are all from young men—and women—who would like to join my expedition."
"I think I should be useful," Hugo said, and then he played his trump, "and I should be willing to contribute, for the favour of being included, a sum of fifty thousand dollars."
Professor Hardin whistled. Then his eyes narrowed. "What's your object, young man? Treasure?"
"No. A life—let us say—with ample means at my disposal and no definite purpose."
"Boredom, then." He smiled. "A lot of these other young men are independently wealthy, and bored. I must say, I feel sorry for your generation. But—no—I can't accept. We are already adequately financed."
Hugo smiled in response. "Then—perhaps—I could organize my own party and camp near you."
"That would hamper me."