"Yes,yes,all is clear,I see the link in the chain;everything is explained,and I now understand why Arne Saknussemm,put out of court,forced to hide his magnificent discoveries,was compelled to conceal beneath the veil of an incomprehensible cryptograph,the secret-""What secret?"
"A secret-which,"stammered my uncle.
"Have you discovered some wonderful manuscript?"cried M.
Fridriksson.
"No!no,I was carried away by my enthusiasm.A mere supposition.""Very good,sir.But,really,to turn to another subject,I hope you will not leave our island without examining into its mineralogical riches.""Well,"the fact is,I am rather late.So many learned men have been here before me.""Yes,yes,but there is still much to be done,"cried M.
Fridriksson.
"You think so,"said my uncle,his eyes twinkling with hidden satisfaction.
"Yes,you have no idea how many unknown mountains,glaciers,volcanoes there are which remain to be studied.Without moving from where we sit,I can show you one.Yonder on the edge of the horizon,you see Sneffels.""Oh yes,Sneffels,"said my uncle.
"One of the most curious volcanoes in existence,the crater of which has been rarely visited.""Extinct?"
"Extinct,any time these five hundred years,"was the ready reply.
"Well,"said my uncle,who dug his nails into his flesh,and pressed his knees tightly together to prevent himself leaping up with joy.
"I have a great mind to begin my studies with an examination of the geological mysteries of this Mount Seffel-Feisel-what do you call it?""Sneffels,my dear sir."
This portion of the conversation took place in Latin,and Itherefore understood all that had been said.I could scarcely keep my countenance when I found my uncle so cunningly concealing his delight and satisfaction.I must confess that his artful grimaces,put on to conceal his happiness,made him look like a new Mephistopheles.
"Yes,yes,"he continued,"your proposition delights me.I will endeavor to climb to the summit of Sneffels,and,if possible,will descend into its crater.""I very much regret,"continued M.Fridriksson,"that my occupation will entirely preclude the possibility of my accompanying you.It would have been both pleasurable and profitable if I could have spared the time.""No,no,a thousand times no,"cried my uncle."I do not wish to disturb the serenity of any man.I thank you,however,with all my heart.The presence of one so learned as yourself,would no doubt have been most useful,but the duties of your office and profession before everything."In the innocence of his simple heart,our host did not perceive the irony of these remarks.
"I entirely approve your project,"continued the Icelander after some further remarks."It is a good idea to begin by examining this volcano.You will make a harvest of curious observations.In the first place,how do you propose to get to Sneffels?""By sea.I shall cross the bay.Of course that is the most rapid route.""Of course.But still it cannot be done.""Why?"
"We have not an available boat in all Reykjavik,"replied the other.
"What is to be done?"
"You must go by land along the coast.It is longer,but much more interesting.""Then I must have a guide."
"Of course;and I have your very man."
"Somebody on whom I can depend."
"Yes,an inhabitant of the peninsula on which Sneffels is situated.He is a very shrewd and worthy man,with whom you will be pleased.He speaks Danish like a Dane.""When can I see him-today?"
"No,tomorrow;he will not be here before.""Tomorrow be it,"replied my uncle,with a deep sigh.
The conversation ended by compliments on both sides.During the dinner my uncle had learned much as to the history of Arne Saknussemm,the reasons for his mysterious and hieroglyphical document.He also became aware that his host would not accompany him on his adventurous expedition,and that next day we should have a guide.