Schwandorf laughed again. "You are fresh from the woman-worshiping United States and you disapprove. But this is the jungle, and all is different. '_Cada terra com seu uso_,' as these Brazilians say--each land with its own ways. Perhaps when you have met the Mayoruna women, looked on their handsome faces and shapely forms--they wear no clothing, by the way--you will change your ideas. More than one man along this border has risked his life to win one of those women. But that rests with you. And now if you will excuse me, gentlemen, I have an engagement with a man at the other end of town." "Certainly. We are indebted to you for your interest." "It is nothing. Remember that I strongly advise you not to go. But if you will go, I shall gladly do whatever lies in my power to aid you in preparing for the trip. Do not hesitate to call on me." He passed into the house, returning almost at once. "By the way," he added, "one of you has the room next mine?" "I have it," said Knowlton. "Yes. Are you a good sleeper? I sometimes snore most atrociously, I am told. So perhaps--" "Don't worry. I can sleep in the middle of a bombardment." "You are fortunate. Good evening, gentlemen." When he was gone they sat for a time smoking, sipping now and then at their highballs. At length McKay said, "Humph!" "Amen. Pretty square sort of chap, though, don't you think?" "I'm not saying," was the Scot's cautious answer. "Seems to be trying to discourage us and egg us on at the same time. Something up his sleeve, perhaps." "Can't tell. But his line of talk rings true so far. Checks up all right with what we've heard about the Mayorunas and so on. And that scheme of working in through the Mayoruna country sounds about as sensible as anything. Desperate chance and all that, but it might work. Say, why did you kick me when I was going to tell him you'd been in British Guiana?" "Don't know exactly. Had a hunch. Seems to me I've seen that fellow before somewhere, but I can't place him. None of his business where I've been, anyhow. We're boobs from the States hunting for a wild man. That's all he needs to know." But it was not enough for Schwandorf to know. At that very moment he was on his way to the home of Superintendent Cabral, with whom he had no engagement whatever, to learn all he could concerning the business of these military-appearing strangers; also to impress on that official the fact that he had sought to dissuade them from starting on their mad quest.