“Oh, yes,” said the Spanish captain. “I have been coming here for ten years, and never saw another vessel up here before—only the big canoes of the blacks. Why, I could take you into the forest and show you plenty of beautiful birds and flowers, and all kinds of wonders.”
“But the forest seems to be impassable,” put in Rodd.
“Yes,” said the Spaniard, with a laugh—“to those who don’t know their way. Higher up there are small rivers which run into this, where boats can go up and get to where the trees are not all crowded together, but more open like this patch here,” he continued, waving his hand to where the forest retired back. “There are sluggish streams where you can wander for days, and camp ashore, and shoot all kinds of things. I used to at one time, when it was all new to me; and I collected skins and sent them to Cadiz and other European cities, where they sold well. But I have given all that up long enough. The black king—bah!—chief—he’s only a savage. He makes his people collect the palm-oil and other things for me, and I load up and take them back.”
“Then you would make a good guide,” said the doctor.
“I, captain?” said the man eagerly. “Oh yes. A man could not come here for ten years, and stay a month or two each time, without getting to know the country well.”
“I suppose not. But this is the captain. I am only a doctor, travelling to make discoveries.”
“Ah, a doctor!” cried the Spaniard eagerly. “Then you will help me and one or two of my men! Yes? I will pay you well.”
“Oh,” said the doctor quietly, “if I can help you, or any one with you who needs assistance, I will do so, of course. I want no pay, but I might ask you to guide me and my nephew here in a little expedition or two into the forest.”
“Uncle,” said Rodd quickly, “we mustn’t leave the Count and Morny.”
“Well, well,” said the doctor, “we’ll see about that.”