“How far can you go in one day?” “Eighty or a hundred kilometers.” “We can make it in a day then.” “I shall be ready tomorrow, at any time you say,” the Brazilian said with finality. David could have shouted for joy. At last he had found the way. “I think an early start is best, don’t you?” he said as calmly as he could. “Six o’clock will be all right. So get everything ready today and then there will be no delays in the morning.” “Very good. Now, exactly where do you want to go?” Dark clouds again appeared on David’s horizon. “To one of the ranches along the river,” he replied quickly. “Yes, but just where? There are several and how will I know which one is the right one?” “It makes no difference, as I am paying by the day. If it takes a little over one day I will pay you for two whole days.” “That part of it is all right. But I am compelled to make out papers for the port officials when I carry passengers.” “Make them when you get back. Then you will know just what to say.” The situation was desperate for David. “I could do that,” he said thoughtfully, and again David felt elated. But after a moment the Brazilian continued, “There is only one place on the whole river to which I can take no one.” “What place is that?” with bated breath. “Las Palmas. That is the one ranch where a landing is forbidden.” “Why? That is the very spot I am bound for.” “I am sorry, but as I said, I cannot take you there. The owner is a foreigner. He is very terrible,” the Brazilian explained. “Nobody dares stop there without a written permit. It is all very mysterious and you should hear the tales that are told about the happenings at Las Palmas.” David tried to laugh; he felt more like crying. “It is different in my case,” he stammered. “I am expected there. Arrangements were made by cable for them to meet me here but there was some misunderstanding about the date. You will be taking no chances.” “You do not know that outfit or you would not talk like that. I will not go.” “I will give you twice your regular price.” “Not for a million milreis! What good would they do me after I was full of bullets or poisoned arrows?” The shop-keeper was firm. “Are they really so bad as all that?” David asked incredulously. “Worse. Much worse. Once the government threatened to send soldiers there to investigate things and they sent back word to come on with the whole army but to bid it good-bye first for they would never see any part of it again. So you see what kind of people you are dealing with.” “All right,” David assumed an indifferent air. “If you don’t want my money there are others who do.” “Yes, Senhor. They are welcome to it.” Seeing that argument was useless, David took his departure and went to the second man on his list.