All the time that I was eating my breakfast I kept speculating as to what family of mankind they could belong to; and shortly there came an idea into my head, which brought the blood into my cheeks with excitement as I thought of it.  Was it possible that they might be the lost ten tribes of Israel, of whom I had heard both my grandfather and my father make mention as existing in an unknown country, and awaiting a final return to Palestine?  Was it possible that I might have been designed by Providence as the instrument of their conversion?  Oh, what a thought was this!  I laid down my skewer and gave them a hasty survey.  There was nothing of a Jewish type about them:  their noses were distinctly Grecian, and their lips, though full, were not Jewish.

How could I settle this question?  I knew neither Greek nor Hebrew, and even if I should get to understand the language here spoken, I should be unable to detect the roots of either of these tongues.  I had not been long enough among them to ascertain their habits, but they did not give me the impression of being a religious people.  This too was natural:  the ten tribes had been always lamentably irreligious.  But could I not make them change?  To restore the lost ten tribes of Israel to a knowledge of the only truth:  here would be indeed an immortal crown of glory!  My heart beat fast and furious as I entertained the thought.  What a position would it not ensure me in the next world; or perhaps even in this!  What folly it would be to throw such a chance away!  I should rank next to the Apostles, if not as high as they—­certainly above the minor prophets, and possibly above any Old Testament writer except Moses and Isaiah.  For such a future as this I would sacrifice all that I have without a moment’s hesitation, could I be reasonably assured of it.  I had always cordially approved of missionary efforts, and had at times contributed my mite towards their support and extension; but I had never hitherto felt drawn towards becoming a missionary myself; and indeed had always admired, and envied, and respected them, more than I had exactly liked them.  But if these people were the lost ten tribes of Israel, the case would be widely different:  the opening was too excellent to be lost, and I resolved that should I see indications which appeared to confirm my impression that I had indeed come upon the missing tribes, I would certainly convert them.

I may here mention that this discovery is the one to which I alluded in the opening pages of my story.  Time strengthened the impression made upon me at first; and, though I remained in doubt for several months, I feel now no longer uncertain.