“And that long gun of yours too?” said the skipper.
“Yes,” said the Spaniard. “As your medico says, one never knows what savage people one may meet. It is good too behind a bullet for our friends here in the river. You have seen them?”
He put his wrists together with his palms closed, and then slowly opened them widely in imitation of a crocodile’s jaws, and closed them with a snap.
“Oh yes,” said Rodd, “we have met them, and found out how horny their skins are.”
“Ugh! Beasts!” said the Spaniard. “Last time I was here they swept two of my men out of a boat, and I never saw them more. We caught some fish as we came up the river, at the mouth. Adios, señores; I will send you some. We shall meet again. I do not hurry for some days, for I am before my time.”
“How far is it up to the town?” asked Captain Chubb.
“Three days’ journey. This is a great river, and the water is deep right up into the country till you reach the mountains, far beyond the town.”
“Well,” said the doctor, “let’s go ashore, Rodd, and tell the Count. We didn’t bargain for this, eh, captain?”
“No,” said the skipper gruffly, as he watched the departing boat, after ordering the crew back into their own so as to row the doctor and his nephew to the brig.
“Well, Rodd,” continued the doctor, “it would be a grand chance for us to have some expeditions with a good guide. What do you think of the Spanish captain?”