the miserly crucible, it is in the matrix of Nature herself, that
we must seek in prolific abundance Nature's grand principle--life.
As the loadstone is rife with the magnetic virtue, as amber
contains the electric, so in this substance, to which we yet want a
name, is found the bright life-giving fluid. In the old gold mines
of Asia and Europe the substance exists, but can rarely be met
with. The soil for its nutriment may there be well nigh exhausted.
It is here, where Nature herself is all vital with youth, that the
nutriment of youth must be sought. Near this spot is gold; guide
me to it."

"You cannot come with me. The place which I know as auriferous is
some miles distant, the way rugged. You cannot walk to it. It is
true I have horses, but--"

"Do you think I have come this distance and not foreseen and
forestalled all that I want for my object? Trouble yourself not
with conjectures how I can arrive at the place. I have provided
the means to arrive at and leave it. My litter and its bearers are
in reach of my call. Give me your arm to the rising ground, fifty
yards from your door."

I obeyed mechanically, stifling all surprise. I had made my
resolve, and admitted no thought that could shake it.

When we reached the summit of the grassy hillock, which sloped from
the road that led to the seaport, Margrave, after pausing to
recover breath, lifted up his voice, in a key, not loud, but shrill
and slow and prolonged, half cry and half chant, like the
nighthawk's. Through the air--so limpid and still, bringing near