ntrasts, that step out and confront one at every turn. Generous and
hospitable in certain directions, it is cruel and treacherous, almost to
the borders of fanaticism, in others. To the right one sees a desire to
copy Europe, to the left what would appear to be a deliberate attempt to
disregard her altogether. It is these little idiosyncrasies that make
Rio de Janeiro what it is, namely, one of the most instructive and
fascinating cities in the world.

As soon as he had breakfasted on board in the harbour, Max hired a boat
and made his way ashore. His luggage had already preceded him to the
Custom House. Reaching the quay he set off, by way of the Rua Direita,
in search of that building. What a strange collection of humanity he
found crowded together in the streets! Faultlessly attired ladies,
elegant gentlemen in frock coats and high hats, negroes and negresses,
the latter decked out in the gayest colours, deformed, haggard, slouchy
soldiers, Italian newspaper boys, cigarette-smoking policemen, clad in
brown holland and quaint shakos, all helped to constitute a human jumble
of the most varied and interesting description. Following the Rua
Direita he entered the Rua d'Ouvidor, the fashionable street, indeed,
one might almost say the Bond Street, of the city. Thence he continued
his walk by way of the Rua dos Ourives, the Palais Royale of Rio, to the
Custom House, where his baggage was examined and be told that he was at
liberty to take it where he pleased. Chartering a small tilbury, a
species of cab peculiar to Brazil, he drove to the Candido Hotel, in the
Larangeiras, where he engaged a room, installed himself in it, and then
prepared to look about him. He had considerably less than thirty pounds
left in his money-belt; and when he became aware of this fact he could
have cursed himself for his folly in having gambled with Moreas on board
the _Diamintina_. It was done, however, and now he had to face the
consequences. As he told himself, it was no use crying over spilt milk,
and no amount of regret would bring the money back. One thing, however,
was painfully certain--he must find some employment without delay. But
in what direction was he to look for it? Putting on his hat, and stowing
the key of his room away in his pocket, he set off on a tour of
inspection. When he reached the principal business thoroughfares he kept
his eyes open for an English name. It was some time, however, before he
discovered one. Why he shoul