downward journey, Captain Ossolo came over into the boat one
evening with his son, just as Brazier and Rob were busy with Shaddy
packing in stores which had been freshly purchased, as possibly this
would be the last place where they could provide themselves with some of
the necessaries of life.

"Ah, captain," cried Brazier, "I'm glad you've come. I want to have a
settlement with you for all you've done."

The captain nodded, and rubbed one brown ear, making the gold ring
therein glisten.

"What am I in your debt?" continued Brazier, "though no money can pay
you for your kindness to us and excellent advice."

The captain was silent, and took to rubbing the other ear, his face
wearing a puzzled expression.

"Don't be afraid to speak out, sir," continued Brazier; "I am sure you
will find me generous."

"_Si_! yes," said the captain, holding out his hand, which was at once
taken; "much please--good fellow--_amico_--_bono_--_altro_--_altro_!"

He broke down and looked confused.

"I understand you," said Brazier, speaking slowly; "and so are you a
good fellow. I wish I could speak Italian. Do you understand me?"

"_Si! si_!" said the captain, nodding his head.

"We both hope to find you here again when we return, for you to help us
down the river again with the collections we shall have made."

This last puzzled the captain a little; but his son, who was at his
elbow, interpreted, and he nodded his head vehemently.

"_Si! si_!" he cried. "Take you back on _Tessa_. Get fever? No. Get
hurt? No. Come back safe."

"My father means you are to take care of yourselves," said Joe, "both
you and Rob. Shaddy has promised to help you all he can."

"Ah, to be sure I will; depend upon that," said the individual named.

"And father wants to say something else," said Joe.

"Yes, of course," said Brazier rather impatiently. "What am I in his
debt?"

"Shall I tell him, father?" said the lad in Italian.

"_Si! si_!"

The lad cleared his voice, and fixed his eyes on Rob, but turned them
directly after upon Brazier.

"My father says he will not take any money for what he has done."

"Oh, nonsense!" cried Brazier; "he must."

"No!" cried the skipper, frowning as he shook his head till his earrings
glistened.

"He wants you to do him a favour."

"What does he so want--a gun, a watch, some powder?"

"No," said the lad, clearing his throat again; "he wants you to be a
friend to me and take me with you in t