In three months or a little less he turned up smiling again, and most effusive.
About a fortnight after his arrival he came to Jake one morning pretty early.
Jake was preparing to start on horseback for the great forest.
"I'm on the horns of a dilemma, Mr. Solomons," he said, laughing his best laugh. "During the night about twenty Bolivian Indians have encamped near to the forest. They ask for work on the india-rubber trees. They are well armed, and all sturdy warriors. They look as if fighting was more in their line than honest labour."
"Well, Mr. Peter, what is their excuse for being here anyhow?"
"They are bound for the sea-shore at the mouths of the river, and want to earn a few dollars to help them on."
"Well, where is the other horn of the dilemma?"
"Oh! if I give them work they may corrupt our fellows."
"Then, Mr. Peter, I'd give the whole blessed lot the boot and the sack."
"Ah! now, Mr. Solomons, you've got to the other horn. These savages, for they are little else, are revengeful."