Bell turned and went toward him with an air of pleased expectancy. He noticed for the first time the third of the women. Young, in the first flush of youthful maturity, but with an expression of stark terror lingering behind a palpably assumed animation. "An acquaintance of yours, Senhor," said Ribiera, "is to be my guests." Bell steeled himself. "The Senhor Canalejas," said Ribiera, beaming, "and his daughter." * * * * * Bell seemed to frown, and then seemed to remember. "Oh, yes," he said carelessly, "I met her in Washington. She was on the _Almirante Gomez_, coming down." The next instant he saw Ribiera's expression, and cursed himself for a fool. Ribiera's eyes had narrowed sharply. Then they half-closed, and he smiled. "She is charming," said Ribiera in drowsy contentment, "and I had thought you would be glad to improve her acquaintance. Especially since, as my friend, you may congratulate me. A contract of marriage is under discussion." Bell felt every muscle grow taut. The fat, pigmented man before him.... "Indeed," said Bell politely, "I do congratulate you." Ribiera looked at him with an expression in which a sardonic admiration mingled with something else less pleasant. "You are clever, Senhor Bell," he said heavily, seeming to sink more deeply into his chair. "Very clever." He shifted his eyes to the women who stood about him. "You may go," he said indifferently. His tone was exactly that of a despot dismissing his slaves. Two of them colored with instinctive resentment. His eyes lingered an instant on the third. Her face had showed only a passionate relief. "You, Senhora," he said heavily, "may wait nearby." The terror returned to her features, but she moved submissively to a spot a little out of earshot. Bell found his jaws clenched. There is a certain racial taint widespread in Brazil which leads to an intolerable arrogance when there is the slightest opportunity for its exercise. Ribiera had the taint, and Bell felt a sickening wrath at the terrified submission of the women. "_Si_," said Ribiera, suddenly adverting to insolence. "You are clever, Senhor Bell. Where did you learn of _yagué_?" * * * * * Bell inhaled leisurely. His muscles were tense, but he gave no outward sign. Instead, he sat down comfortably upon the arm of a chair facing Ribiera's. The only way to meet insolence is with equal insolence and a greater calm. "Ah!" said Bell pleasantly. "So you found out it didn't work, after all!" Ribiera's eyes contracted. He became suddenly enraged. "You are trifling with me," he said furiously. "Do you know the penalty for that?" "Why, yes," said Bell, and smiled amiably. "A dose of--er--poison of The Master's private brand." It was a guess, but based on a good deal of evidence. Ribiera turned crimson, then pale.