less pleased to find that we have done
some good."

And taking several steps to the rear, he bent over the guariba, and, not
without an effort, withdrew the case from his stiffened hand.

"Doubtless that, sir, is what belongs to you?"

"The very thing," said Torres briskly, catching hold of the case and
failing to repress a huge sigh of relief.

"Whom ought I to thank, gentlemen," said he, "for the service you have
rendered me?"

"My friend, Manoel, assistant surgeon, Brazilian army," replied the
young man.

"If it was I who shot the monkey, Benito," said Manoel, "it was you that
pointed him out to me."

"In that case, sirs," replied Torres, "I am under an obligation to you
both, as well to you, Mr. Manoel, as to you, Mr. ----"

"Benito Garral," replied Manoel.

The captain of the woods required great command over himself to avoid
giving a jump when he heard this name, and more especially when the
young man obligingly continued:

"My father, Joam Garral, has his farm about three miles from here. If
you would like, Mr. ----"

"Torres," replied the adventurer.

"If you would like to accompany us there, Mr. Torres, you will be
hospitably received."

"I do not know that I can," said Torres, who, surprised by this
unexpected meeting, hesitated to make a start. "I fear in truth that I
am not able to accept your offer. The occurrence I have just related to
you has caused me to lose time. It is necessary for me to return at once
to the Amazon--as I purpose descending thence to Para."

"Very well, Mr. Torres," replied Benito, "it is not unlikely that we
shall see you again in our travels, for before a month has passed my
father and all his family will have taken the same road as you."

"Ah!" said Torres sharply, "your father is thinking of recrossing the
Brazilian frontier?"

"Yes, for a voyage of some months," replied Benito. "At least we hope to
make him decide so. Don't we, Manoel?"

Manoel nodded affirmatively.

"Well, gentlemen," replied Torres, "it is very probable that we shall
meet again on the road. But I cannot, much to my regret, accept your
offer now. I thank you, nevertheless, and I consider myself as twice
your debtor."

And having said so, Torres saluted the young men, who in turn saluted
him, and set out on their way to the farm.

As for Torres he looked after them as they got further and further away,
and when he had lost sight of them--

"Ah! he is about to recross the frontier!" s