pretenderships that is almost as ridiculous as some of the revolutions of the New World. It was amusing to watch the development of Mello’s rebellion, which continued through all of 1892 and the greater part of the following year. One would have thought that two friendly leaders were planning rival surprise parties, in which there was to be nothing more serious than the throwing of confetti. Floriano, surrounded by spies and assassins but also by many loyal and devoted friends, knew perfectly well, from his own spies, what Mello was doing, but, relying on his own strength and the public sentiment behind him, he made no move to check him. On the other hand, Mello was well aware that Floriano knew all that was going on, yet neither one gave any outward sign of this knowledge, and when they were together they appeared to be friends. It was along in July or August, 1893, that I was delightedly dragged into the mysterious muss, after a period of waiting that was long, anxious, and expensive. Mello sent for me first and expressed a wish that I go down to Santa Catharina Island, off the southern coast of Brazil, and blow up the “Republica,” the one Brazilian warship whose officers had remained loyal to Floriano, though finally, just before the revolution was declared, they went over to Mello. With the exception of Soldanha da Gama, who was neutral but whom he regarded as more of a friend than an enemy, Mello had converted the rest of the navy to his cause, but the “Republica” held out against him and he wanted her put out of the way of doing him harm. He offered a cash payment and a commission in the navy in return for her destruction, but I could never get him down to definite terms or to a contract that I would accept. We had several conferences, and, while we were still negotiating, I received a call from one of Floriano’s aides, who asked me to accompany him to the palace. He took me in the rear entrance and up a back stairway to Floriano’s private _sala_ where, after presenting me, he left me, as I supposed, alone with the President. “I understand,” said Floriano, getting right down to business, “that you were in Venezuela with President Guzman and that you have had military training and experience.” “That is correct, sir.” “I am told, too, that you have made a study of high explosives and have invented a remarkable torpedo.” “That also is true.” “Would you be willing to undertake a mission that would involve considerable danger, but for which you would be well paid?” “I am open to anything except vulgar assassination. That is my business.” “What do you charge for your services?” “That depends entirely on the nature of the work.” “Then we can leave that question open until the nature of the work has been decided on, provided it is understood that your compensation will be such as you are ordinarily accustomed to.” “Very good, sir.” “Brazil may need your services, Colonel Boynton,” with an accent on the “Colonel.”