Let us now bow down and implore the favour of the Almighty upon this expedition.' We all knelt down in the low-roofed, heavy-raftered room while the old man offered up an earnest, strenuous prayer for our success.

Even now, as I speak to ye, that group rises up before mine eyes.

I see once again your ancestor's stern, rugged face, with his brows knitted and his corded hands writhed together in the fervour of his supplication.

My mother kneels beside him with the tears trickling down her sweet, placid face, stifling her sobs lest the sound of them make my leave-taking more bitter.

The children are in the sleeping-room upstairs, and we hear the patter of their bare feet upon the floor.