Chapter I.
THE REASON OF THE RIDE.
A FEW centuries ago the adventurous spirit who felt the gall of the hone harness eating into his flesh had little difficulty if he had enough pluck, in finding an outlet for his restlessness. North, south, east or west lay unexplored lands that lured the man whose quest was gold or game, diamonds or discovery.
Expeditions were organised under leaders who sought fame in opening up new territory, in founding oversea colonies, and extending the area of their country's influence. Thus Columbus, in 1492 set out from Palos in the south of Spain, on that famous voyage that resulted in the discovery of America, and the ultimate founding of that great nation which today exerts such a powerful influence upon the world's destiny, The names of men like Drake, Raleigh, Cavendish and Cook come rapidly to our recollection in the matter of oversea discovery; Livingstone and Stanley explored the depths of the Dark Continent,
