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124 the company of a man who was in a position to impart so much knowledge "concerning sea and land."

He said that he had a knowledge of the country we should be passing through from previous travels, and that he would like to take his friend Moro, who was a geologist, with us.

I answered that I should be very pleased to leave the organizing of the expedition wholly in his hands, and that I would offer no objection even if a few young ladies were added to it.

He observed that a couple of young men would be required to look after the animals.

In due course the next meal was announced, and on this occasion we were conducted to a hall much larger than the one wherein I had previously dined. A number of people, including several ladies, took their seats at the table, the President, whom I understood was a bachelor, taking his place at the head. I was introduced to them all, however. There were two young ladies, Elmia and Alvarez, nieces to Onneyubla, who impressed me by their personal charms. Moro, the geologist, was present, and sat beside Elmia, while I occupied a seat near Alvarez. We talked first of our projected expedition, and it was decided that preparations for a start should be commenced at once.