The visitor proved to be an attendant of the house, who wished to inquire in regard to the wants of their "illustrious guests."
"We need nothing more at present," replied Jack, "than a couple of basins of cool water in which to lave these bodies and limbs of ours."
"Si, señors; your slightest wish is law at San Andrea," and, bowing very low, the speaker withdrew, and our friends were left alone for more than half an hour, when the man returned bearing in either hand a small calabash filled with water that was too thick with mud to spill over. These rude dishes possibly contained a quart of the dirty liquid each. Depositing these vessels on the table, the servant expressed the wish that they might enjoy a "very excellent bath."
"No doubt we shall," declared Jack. "Did you have to bring this far?"
"From the river, señor; two kilometers away."
"Horn of rock—Gibraltar, if you please, we'll excuse you for the time it took you. But haven't you water nearer than a mile?"
"A little, señor. Supper will be ready when you have washed."
After supper they went to examine their-horses, to find that Ronie's did not show much improvement. One of the peons, however, had interested himself so far as to bandage the limb in some black decoction that he claimed was good for a sprain, which was evidently the trouble with the creature. This man became very friendly upon finding that his efforts were so well appreciated, and he began to talk glibly of other matters, saying, among other things:
"You come from Maracaibo, I think, señors. Did you see anything of Captain Rhoades and his bold riders?"
"We heard of him," replied Jack. "We have been looking for them. Are you expecting them this way?"