_Mr. Dow._ “As a listener I must acknowledge that you have each with good arguments strangely confounded your former selves.” The above colloquial rejoinders will serve as an illustration of the attraction that beguiled the padre’s attention until the second day after he had passed his port of destination. Then inquiring of the captain the distance that still “intervened,” the supposed number of miles being given, he relapsed into his usual routine without suspecting that it was calculated from the stern instead of the bow. When informed at the port of Rosas that the town of “Three Rivers” had been passed some days previous, he exclaimed, “My goodness gracious, there was where I wished to stop; my conscience’ sake alive, what shall I do?” The captain, to whom he appealed, answered by asking, “What did you intend to do at Entre Rios, padre?” _Padre._ “A brokerage business of some sort, real estate or sugar, whichever offered the best opening.” _Captain._ “But, padre, you cannot speak the language, which would render your expectations abortive, for a bargain is never closed in these countries without a great deal of word chaffering. A clear understanding of the language is absolutely necessary, for the inhabitants of the river towns are very apt to “fly” from a bad bargain when they find themselves caught and lightly held, so that the only safe way to secure them is to clip their wings and hood-wink them in black and white. But I can send you back without cost when we meet the next downward bound steamer; then you will have the advice and assistance of Mr. Welson, who perfectly understands the habits and customs of the people.” _Padre._ “Well, I declare to gracious, I hardly know what to do?” _Captain._ “Would you like employment on board? I think that there is a berth that would suit you! Besides it will afford you an opportunity to convince Dr. Baāhar of his errors; at the same time you can perfect yourself in speaking Spanish.” Notwithstanding the captain’s quizzical looks and speech the padre thankfully accepted the proffered position of second officer, with the expressed hope that he might perform its duties in an acceptable manner. Captain Greenwood, although somewhat crispy in speech and austere in address, had a strong undertow of humorous appreciation when the shafts of irony were not directed against himself. His disinterested disposition, prompted by the padre’s kindly _vis inertiæ_, had suggested the offer; nevertheless he really desired a person capable of superintending small matters that would relieve him from a responsibility not greatly to his relish. The duties imposed by the captain were as follows: “You must be the first up in the morning and the last in bed at night. While on duty, see that everything in the way of labor is well done, and never interfere with advice when a helping hand is required. Lastly, never report to me necessary changes until after they have been made.”