The Portuguese seemed genuinely glad to see the young Englishman. He even grasped him by the hand.
It was now that Max saw how invaluable the half-caste was to Cæsar. The man was a ruby expert. His business was to examine the gems, one by one, and select those of the greatest value. His place was at the river where the washing was in progress, whereas Cæsar himself superintended the blasting of the rock.
De Costa drew near to Max.
"You saved my life," said he; "I have to thank you."
The Arab slave-driver was out of earshot, and even had he been able to overhear them he could not have understood since they talked in English.
"If you wish to show your gratitude," said Max, "you can help me when the time comes."
De Costa remained silent for a while, his weak, almost colourless eyes staring at the water of the river.
"Yes," said he, "you saved my life. None the less I will die if I am not taken to the sea. The fresh air, the sea breezes--these are better than rubies, are they not?"
He was silent for some minutes, whilst Max continued with his work.
"There's a ruby," said Max, selecting a small blood-red stone from the handful of gravel he was washing.