Skindeep sent a
messenger immediately to his banker, deeming an ambassador almost as
good security as a nation, which we all know to be the very best.
This little arrangement being concluded, the landlord resumed his usual
civility. He informed the travellers that the whole island was in a
state of the greatest commotion, and that martial law universally
prevailed. He said that this disturbance was occasioned by the return
of the expedition destined to the Isle of Fantaisie. It appeared, from
his account, that after sailing about from New Guinea to New Holland,
the expedition had been utterly unable not only to reach their new
customers, but even to obtain the slightest intelligence of their
locality. No such place as Fantaisie was known at Ceylon. Sumatra gave
information equally unsatisfactory. Java shook its head. Celebes
conceived the inquirers were jesting. The Philippine Isles offered to
accommodate them with spices, but could assist them in no other way.
Had it not been too hot at Borneo, they would have fairly laughed
outright.
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