These little mysteries, however, did nothing but add sauce to my
delight as we sprang over the blue waters; and my joy was complete
when, on the morning of the day I had appointed, the seventh of May,
Denny cried "Land," and, looking over the starboard bow, I saw the
cloud on the sea that was Neopalia. Day came bright and glorious, and
as we drew nearer to our enchanted isle, we distinguished its features
and conformation. The coast was rocky, save where a small harbor
opened to the sea; and the rocks ran up from the coast, rising higher
and higher, till they culminated in a quite respectable peak in the
centre. The telescope showed cultivated ground and vineyards, mingled
with woods, on the slopes of the mountain; and about half way up,
sheltered on three sides, backed by thick woods, and commanding a
splendid sea view, stood an old, gray, battlemented house.
"There's my house!" I cried, in natural exultation, pointing with my
finger. It was a moment in my life--a moment to mark.
"Hurrah!" cried Denny, throwing up his hat in sympathy.
Demetri was standing near, and met this ebullition with a grim smile.
"I hope my lord will find the house comfortable," said he.
"We shall soon make it comfortable," said Hogvardt. "I dare say it's
half a ruin now."
"It is good enough now for a Stefanopoulos," said the fellow, with
a surly frown.
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