“That’s the starting point,” said Mr. Jranvin. “I was condemned, given up to die, by slow and harrowing processes, but chance, if there ever be such a thing in this world, started me on a voyage to Japan. That’s some years ago. To Japan I never got.”
“Shipwrecked?” questioned the professor.
“You hit it. Shipwrecked, and right upon this island. And over here on our island of Rarihue we have lived ever since. My health is restored and my life is lived among my friends here, who made me their chief,” and he waved his hand to the party of islanders grouped about. “My friends they are, and as true as steel.”
“Then do you never intend to go back to your home and country?” ventured Jo.
“Home I have none, nor country. This is my world and none other am I likely to seek.”
“You do not live then on this island?”
“No, but now and then I send here or come for a supply of the waters of this wonderful mineral spring. It possesses health-giving properties that would be recognizable by any expert. Here is a chance for you, my dear friend, to make a fortune,” he said, laughing. “By the way, you have not told me yet what brought you to this far off quarter. Going to settle down and live a life that’s worth while?”
“We are looking for a fortune, and a mineral one, but not a mineral spring.”
Mr. Jranvin, or the chief, as they soon learned to call him, glanced quickly at the party and for a moment studied each face.