It has been his first real induction into the greatest of all books: the Book of the Earth itself.

Rossiter on his part feels indefinably attracted by this young expatriated Welshman.

David does not say much, but what he does contribute to the conversation shows him a quick thinker and a person of trained intelligence.

Yet somehow the professor of Biology in the University of London--and many other things beside--F.R.S., F.Z.S., F.L.S., Gold Medallist of this and that Academy and University abroad--does not "see" him as a soldier or a non-commissioned officer in the British Army: law-student is a more likely qualification.

However as they near Swansea, Michael Rossiter gives Mr.D.V.Williams his card (D.V.W.regrets he cannot reciprocate but says he has hardly settled down yet to any address) and--though as a rule he is taciturn in trains and cautious about making acquaintances--expresses the hope he will call at 1, Park Crescent some afternoon--"My wife and I are generally at home on Thursdays"-- when all are back in town for the autumn.