In a word, man had conquered the wilderness, and a busy
community had sprung into being between the silent sea and the arid
earth.
While the _Aphrodite_ was picking her way cautiously to the anchorage
ground, Dick, who was on the bridge with the captain, heard some broken
talk between Mr. Fenshawe and the Baron. The latter, with subdued
energy, was urging some point which the older man refused to yield. The
discussion was keen, and the millionaire betrayed a polite resentment
of his companion's views.
"I am sure the Italian authorities will place no obstacle in our way,"
he declared at last. "When all is said and done, the interest of our
trip is mainly archeological. Why should you hold this absurd notion
that we may be refused official sanction?"
He spoke emphatically, with unveiled impatience. Dick could not make
out the Austrian's reply, but Mr. Fenshawe's next words showed that,
whatever the matter in dispute, he had a will of his own, and meant to
exercise it.
"It is useless to try to convince me on that head," he exclaimed.
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