My mother dying, commended to me this search.

I at that time was a youth on adventures bent, with already plans for eastern voyages.

Keeping always the letter in my pouch, and in my heart the desire of my mother, I came, nevertheless, not to this part of the world; years come and go, Senor, swiftly with men of the sea, and these shores seemed to me less of attraction than Borneo and other places where were easily to be found my wares.

Briefly, I came not; till this year, a commission from a collector of some extent brought the 'Nautilus' to New York.

And then, say I, how then if I go on, see this my inheritance, discover if it may profit me somewhat?
I come, I discover my revered uncle, unknown to him.
Is the discovery such that I desire to fall on his respected bosom, crying, 'My uncle, soul of my family, behold your son!' I ask you, Senors both! But I find this, my revered uncle, to be a collector of shells: thus he is in one way already dear to my heart.