"The older of these two, Lourenço Moraes, has been more than once among the cannibals of this region, and so he knows something of them. Naturally he did not live long among them; he left them as soon as he could. But he has the faculty of extricating himself from hopeless positions--or perhaps it would be better to say that his cool head and good fortune together have preserved him thus far. '_Tanta vez vae o cantaro a fonte ate gue um dia la fica_'--the pitcher may go often to the spring, but some day it remains there. "Pedro Andrada, the younger, is not so steady and cool-headed as Lourenço. Yet he is a most capable man, and the two together--they are always together--make a very efficient team." "I bet they do," Tim concurred, heartily. "I like that Pedro lad fine." "So do I," the coronel smiled. "Now, gentlemen, I will not order these men to go with you. If they go it must be of their own choice. They have only recently returned from a hazardous mission and they are entitled to rest. Yet I have little doubt that they will jump at the chance to risk their lives in a new venture. If they choose to go, I suggest that you place yourselves entirely in their hands and give them free rein. You would look far for better men." "And we're lucky to get them," Knowlton acquiesced. "To them and to you we shall be greatly indebted." "Not to me, senhor," the coronel demurred "I do nothing but bring you men together. Theirs is the risk. 'Tonio! Find Pedro and Lourenço. Shall we go into the office, gentlemen?" Chairs scraped back and an exodus from the dining room ensued. Outside, the lusty voice of the negro bawled. Soon he was back, and at his heels strode the lithe Pedro and the quiet Lourenço. They ran their eyes over the group, then stood looking inquiringly at their employer. "Be seated, men. Roll cigarettes if you like," said the coronel. Coolly they did both. Pedro, catching Tim's friendly grin, flashed a quick smile in return. Lourenço, unsmiling, looked squarely into each man's face in turn and seemed satisfied with what he saw. Both then glanced around as if missing some one. "Your friend José has left us," the coronel informed them, dryly, interpreting the look. "He disappeared in the night." "Ah! That is why one of our canoes is gone," said Pedro. "We are ready to start." "You mistake," the old gentleman laughed. "We do not want him back. Nothing else is missing." Whereat Pedro looked slightly surprised. Lourenço's lips curved in a faint grin. Neither made any further comment. The coronel plunged at once into the business for which they had been summoned. Succinctly he stated the purpose of the North Americans in coming here, pointed out their need of guides--and stopped there. He said nothing of the dangers ahead, mentioned no reward, did not even ask the men whether they would go. He merely lit a fresh cigar and leaned back in his chair.