nicative regarding the wild beasts that
haunted the forests, the serpents that were found of great size, the
leopards and other wild cats that might be shot for their skins, the
beauty of the plumage of the birds, and above all the wondrous size of
the apes that haunted the trees.

"There's gold too to be washed out of the soil," he said, looking hard
at Rodd; "but don't you touch it. Leave that to the blacks."

"Why?" said Rodd.

"Because," said the man, shaking a fore-finger at him, upon which was a
thick gold ring, "the white men who turn up the wet earth to wash it out
get fever."

"But," said the doctor, "we have not come gold-hunting. And so there
are great apes in these forests? Have you seen them?"

"Oh, yes," said the Spanish captain. "I have been coming here for ten
years, and never saw another vessel up here before--only the big canoes
of the blacks. Why, I could take you into the forest and show you
plenty of beautiful birds and flowers, and all kinds of wonders."

"But the forest seems to be impassable," put in Rodd.

"Yes," said the Spaniard, with a laugh--"to those who don't know their
way. Higher up there are small rivers which run into this, where boats
can go up and get to where the trees are not all crowded together, but
more open like this patch here," he continued, waving his hand to where
the forest retired back. "There are sluggish streams where you can
wander for days, and camp ashore, and shoot all kinds of things. I used
to at one time, when it was all new to me; and I collected skins and
sent them to Cadiz and other European cities, where they sold well. But
I have given all that up long enough. The black king--bah!--chief--he's
only a savage. He makes his people collect the palm-oil and other
things for me, and I load up and take them back."

"Then you would make a good guide," said the doctor.

"I, captain?" said the man eagerly. "Oh yes. A man could not come here
for ten years, and stay a month or two each time, without getting to
know the country well."

"I suppose not. But this is the captain. I am only a doctor,
travelling to make discoveries."

"Ah, a doctor!" cried the Spaniard eagerly. "Then you will help me and
one or two of my men! Yes? I will pay you well."

"Oh," said the doctor quietly, "if I can help you, or any one with you
who needs assistance, I will do so, of course. I want no pay, but I
might ask you to guide me and my nephew here in a littl