It required a number of days to complete all the arrangements. The men packed their belongings and the utensils used by them in their work and placed them aboard the launch. The Indians who had been engaged at the camp had already taken their departure in canoes for their homes far up the river. The camp began to take on a deserted appearance and it was not difficult to picture what the place would look like a few weeks hence, when the rising water would cover the site and sweep away the huts and every vestige of human occupancy. Not all of the men were to return to the ranch in the launch. About half their number had been selected to follow the rubber rafts as they floated down the river. When the start was made two men were sent in each canoe; their duty was to drift with the raft by day and by night, to guide it with poles into the proper channels, and to tie it up when it reached its destination. During the hours of daylight a flag was placed in the center ball; at night a lantern took its place, making it easy for the men to follow the raft in the darkness. This work required experienced men, so David was not chosen to be one of them. He went on the launch on the day following the departure of the rubber fleet. The first rain of the season was falling when the craft nosed her way into the stream and the men were glad to leave the now gloomy hinterland, for it would be many weeks before the sodden skies cleared, except for brief intervals, and the place once more became habitable. The trip down the river was without incident of note. Each day the rain fell for longer periods until there were but infrequent lulls in the heavy downpours. The nights, however, were almost invariably clear, but within another month there would be no respite either day or night from the roaring deluge. The river rose rapidly, covering rocks and encroaching upon the forest; soon it would assume the aspect of a vast, muddy lake and the picture of heartrending desolation would be complete. * * * * * Rice was at the landing when the launch drew up and was made fast. David had looked forward to a word of greeting, or at least a friendly glance, and his disappointment was keen when he found himself treated with the same indifference that characterized the owner’s attitude toward all the men. His one concern seemed to be with the rubber crop and after asking a few questions of Dom Carlos the two went into the office structure, leaving the men to unload the launch. David saw nothing more of his employer until several days later, when the rubber rafts began to arrive. Then he remained at the waterfront almost constantly, appraising and commenting on the season’s catch.