Not long after that the men about the rubber camp had an unusual and unforgettable experience. It was their first glimpse of the two wanderers, long given up for lost, marching into camp on either side of the giant Indian. They thought for a moment that the savage was their captive, but when others appeared in the wake of the three they were more mystified than ever. CHAPTER XX THE DRIFTING ENDS Most surprised of all to see the large party of visitors was Dom Carlos. At first he was at a loss as to how to express his feelings. The weeks that had elapsed since David’s disappearance had brought him no end of worry, for there was no doubt but that he would be held responsible. He had delayed sending word of the disappearance to Las Palmas in the hope that the missing man would show up. And now that he had arrived and was safely in their midst, the old feeling of tyranny came back with increased intensity. “So you are back at last!” he said gruffly. “What excuse have you for going away and staying so long without my permission? Don’t you know that the collecting season is almost over and you have wasted your time? You have accomplished nothing.” David was taken aback by this reception. “I was lost,” he returned. “I was never so eager to get anywhere as to this place, but I couldn’t find the way.” “And you, Miguel? You were lost, too, I suppose?” sarcastically. “Yes, I was lost, too. The fever is to blame,” Miguel replied, while his eyes snapped. “You can tell that to the _patron_ when we get to the ranch. And what do these savages want?” “They asked for nothing. They saved us from the river and brought us home. They are our friends and I invited them to come,” David said. “Well, I’ll invite them to go now. I don’t want them here. Tell them to go and to be quick about it.” “No, they are not going until I can prove to them that there is at least one _white_ man in the world,” David snapped with determination. “I’m going to the storehouse for some presents for them.” “You are?” The foreman feigned surprise. “And who is going to be responsible? Your account is overdrawn now.” “I’ll take care of that part, so don’t you worry. Rice said I could draw anything I need and I am going to do it.” “Look here,” and the burly foreman stepped forward to block his path. “I’m the boss. You will give nothing to these savages and I will chase them away.” This speech angered David. “They are my friends and they will be yours, too, if you let them. Think of what it will mean to have them on your side instead of fighting against you. It is the chance of a lifetime to make peace and you ought to jump at it. Now, I am going to make good my promise to them.” The foreman leaped toward David with a shout of rage. The latter was no match for the big Brazilian, but he stood still waiting for the onrush until a giant form stepped in front of him. It was the leader of the Indians who stood like a statue between David and Dom Carlos.