.

Having requested his companion to wait in the counting house, while he
interviewed the head of the firm, Brockford disappeared into the inner
sanctum. Five minutes later he reappeared, and invited Max to enter. The
latter did so, to find himself in the presence of a fat little man, who
he soon discovered was one of the cheeriest and most popular merchants
in Brazil.

"My friend, Senor Brockford, informs me that you are desirous of
obtaining the position of corresponding clerk in my employment,"
observed the Spaniard.

"What Senor Brockford says is quite true," Max replied. "If you will
give it to me, I will do my best to show you that your confidence is not
misplaced."

The other smiled and rubbed his hands.

"On my friend Senor Brockford's introduction, I shall be happy to engage
your services," he said, with as much dignity as if he had been
conferring upon the other the order of the Golden Fleece.

After the disappointments of the morning Max felt that he had fallen
upon his feet indeed.

"I only hope I shall be able to repay you for your kindness," he said.
"Doubtless Mr. Brockford has informed you that I have had but little
experience in business matters. If you will bear with me for a short
time, however, I have no doubt I shall be able, in the end, to give you
satisfaction."

"I have not the least doubt of it," the Senhor replied.

The office hours having been explained to him, the salary arranged, and
various other minor details settled to their mutual satisfaction, Max
and Mr. Brockford left the office together.

"I cannot tell you how thankful I am to you for what you have done for
me," said the former when they were in the street once more. "It seems
all the kinder for the reason that I am an entire stranger to you."

"One Englishman can never be an entire stranger to another in a foreign
country," said Brockford oracularly. "We always feel called upon to do
the best we can for each other. Besides----"

He stopped abruptly, as if he had suddenly changed his mind, and did not
feel inclined to put his thoughts into words. Five minutes later they
had reached his own office.

"You will feel rather lonely on your first night in a new country," he
said. "Won't you dine with me, and spend the night at my house? I am a
bachelor, and live on the Island of Paqueta. I shall have much pleasure
in taking you back with me. No, don't thank me! You can do that later on
if you like. You are staying at Cand