Martim was a handsome boy of twelve, with a bright, pleasant face, an only child, for the Senhor and Senhora Lopez had lost all their other children in an epidemic of yellow fever some years before. "What are those men doing with long poles over their shoulders," asked Lola, pointing to several men who carried bamboo rods with baskets hung at the ends. "They are fish and vegetable vendors," Martim replied. "Some of those baskets weigh over a hundred pounds. Those other men with the gaily-painted tin trunks on their backs peddle clothing." "They make a lot of noise," said Affonzo. "Yes, they warn people they are coming by clapping together two pieces of wood fastened to their hands by a leather strap," said his cousin. "Oh! What a beautiful statue!" cried Lola. "That is the Emperor Dom Pedro I," said her uncle. "It was made by a noted French sculptor and represents the Emperor shouting the Brazilian watch word 'Independencia ou morte.'[12] Here we are at home!" as the carriage turned into a broad street on either side of which were old fashioned houses with broad verandas and red and white blinds. "There is Aunt Luiza waiting to welcome you!" The children jumped out of the carriage and ran to meet their aunt, who kissed them warmly and drew forward a tall girl of ten, who looked pale and sad. Her hair was very light, her eyes deep blue, and she was a great contrast to black-eyed, brown-cheeked Lola. "This is Maria, your North American cousin," said their aunt, and Lola kissed her warmly on either cheek. "We are so glad to have you come," she said. "And my mother is going to take you home with us for a nice long visit. I have always wanted a sister, so let us play we are sisters." Maria kissed her and smiled, while Aunt Luiza said, "Come, children, it is very late; dinner is waiting and then all you little folk must get to bed early so you will be ready for to-morrow. There are ever so many things for you to see." Early next day the four cousins set out for a morning's sight-seeing, accompanied by their Uncle Hilario. The Senhor Lopez was one of those rare men who are really fond of children, and he enjoyed their society. Most of the streets of the city have no curbing, and the children had to be careful lest they be run down by passing carriages. Their uncle decided first to take them to the famous Botanical Gardens and as they entered the main gateway, they saw the avenue of fine royal palms. "The avenue is almost half a mile long," said the Senhor. "And the trees are a hundred feet high." "Aren't they fine," said Affonzo. "They are the tallest palms I ever saw." "They meet together at the top and form a regular archway the whole length of the walk," said Martim. "What is that very high mountain?" asked Lola. "That is the Corcovado, and some day we shall go over there and ascend it," said Martim. "We shall have to start very early in the morning, for it is a long trip."