Page:Neuroomia.djvu/261

Rh indicating that the coast line trended to the north and north-east. But whether they examined the remainder of these mysterious shores, and consigned another manuscript to the deep, or whether they remained here, or commenced their return voyage, or departed for some other land, which they made their home, was, of course, a matter of pure speculation. It was not improbable they had got wrecked, for these seas were stormy at times; yet they made no mention of storms, although they referred to a mild and refreshing wind that always blew from the one quarter—the south-east.

This was the whole of the brief manuscript, and that any of the others before me would give any further information concerning the Orino and her occupants was altogether out of the question. As regards the continent itself, however, it was quite different, and with a view to learn more of it, I went through the whole bunch; but only one, which I placed aside, made any reference to land existing in the vicinity of where Arawarria should be. I then examined all the books and legends that I thought probable might contain references to the subject. This occupied a considerable time, and I had to write concerning paragraphs and sentences that I did not understand, on more than one