David could have shouted for joy. They had come for him at last. He hurried to the _Aguila_. Perhaps Mr. Rice had come in person to greet him. This was luck indeed! Probably he had hurried to the hotel with apologies for the delay; but no need for that inasmuch as he had finally come and the long wait was over. There was the possibility, however, that he was still aboard the launch. By the time David reached the boat it was almost impossible to suppress his eagerness and excitement. “The _Aguila_ comes from Las Palmas,” he began, “so they tell me. Is Mr. Rice on board now?” A sailor who was washing several articles of clothing by beating them on the rocks near the water’s edge looked up. “No,” he said. “Senhor Rice is not here. He never travels on the Aguila--it is not good enough for him.” “Doesn’t he ever visit Manaos?” “Yes, when there is some good reason for it but he always uses the _Indio_ which is larger and much finer; you should see it. The _Aguila_ is for the peons and the cook when they come to buy provisions.” “Where is the _Indio_ now?” David was becoming somewhat uneasy. “At Las Palmas.” “Didn’t Senhor Rice say anything about coming to Manaos in the near future?” “He never talks to the peons, so I don’t know.” “You see,” David explained, “I am on my way to the ranch and they were to send for me.” “_Si, Senhor._” The man now stopped washing and listened respectfully. “Did you hear anything about that?” “_No, Senhor._” “When do you start back?” “This afternoon.” “Today?” in surprise. “When did you arrive?” “Two days ago.” “There must be a misunderstanding somewhere. I have been waiting a good many days and this is the first I heard of your coming, and that was by accident. Who is in charge of the boat?” “The captain. He went with the others to get some rice and other things. He will be back soon.” “I’ll wait, then.” “Yes, Senhor,” and the man resumed his washing. Here was a new predicament he had not counted on. For a while he racked his brain in an effort to disentangle the puzzle, but it was of no avail. He was compelled to give it up. There was certainly a mix-up somewhere and that was all there was to it. By and by it would be all cleared up and he would then laugh at his present anxiety and vexation. The captain arrived before very long, followed by three men carrying heavy bags on their shoulders. He was a thick-set, burly fellow and one could tell at a glance that he was accustomed to giving orders which others dared not hesitate long in obeying. A stubby beard covered the greater part of his face effectually, concealing his features--all but the eyes--small, black and penetrating. A flat cap with a long peak was perched on the top of his head, the black hair, touched with gray, appearing under the rim in a dense, unkempt ring.