aces, it was
impossible for him to check all that was found. To propose to work with
him, in order that he might keep an eye on him, was equally out of the
question.

No, there was nothing for it but for him to watch and wait, hoping that
if anything were wrong, some happy chance would enable him to detect and
rectify it.

When they had been two months upon the field, and had explored the river
up and down for a distance of nearly twenty miles, Max inquired of
Moreas whether he did not think it was time for them to return to their
friends.

"Perhaps it is," said Moreas slowly. "And I think it will be better if
we tried the other route, through Peru into Brazil. It is just possible
it might be both safer and quicker than the way we came."

"It's just possible it might," Max answered, realising at once what the
other was driving at.

"But what about the party who are waiting for us on the other side of
the mountains? How would it affect them?"

"They would in all probability return to civilisation," said Moreas,
"believing us to be dead. I can't see that it would be altogether to our
disadvantage if they did. What do you say?"

Max was silent for a moment. When he spoke again there was a note in his
voice that should have warned the other not to proceed too far with his
suggestions.

"Look here, Moreas," he said, "I can see quite plainly what is in your
mind, and, once and for all, let me tell you I will not have it. We are
here in the interests of Bertram and the others, as well as to look
after ourselves. We have pledged our honour to return within a certain
time, and that is what we are going to do! You know me, I think, and you
are aware that if I say a thing I mean it. Let that end the matter."

"Well, well, let it be as you wish," said Moreas, with extraordinary
calmness. "Perhaps it wouldn't be the thing, and if you are determined
to play straight with them I will do the same. You're a good fellow,
Max, and I'm sorry I suggested anything else. Try to forget it."

Though he spoke so fair and appeared so repentant, Max did not feel any
the more inclined to trust him. As a matter of fact, the other's ready
compliance had made him even more suspicious of his motives than before.
He knew that unless Moreas had some other plan in his mind he would not
have given up his point or dismissed the matter so calmly.

"The rascal has got something up his sleeve," said Max to himself, when
he thought the matter over