“Willingly,” said Torres; “and you will allow me to thank you in advance.”
Manoel took no part in the conversation; he let Benito make the offer of his services, and attentively watched Torres, whose face he scarcely remembered. There was an entire want of frankness in the eyes, whose look changed unceasingly, as if he was afraid to fix them anywhere. But Manoel kept this impression to himself, not wishing to injure a compatriot whom they were about to oblige.
“Gentlemen,” said Torres, “if you like, I am ready to follow you to the landing-place.”
“Come, then,” answered Benito.
A quarter of an hour afterward Torres was on board the jangada. Benito introduced him to Joam Garral, acquainting him with the circumstances under which they had previously met him, and asked him to give him a passage down to Manaos.
“I am happy, sir, to be able to oblige you,” replied Joam.
“Thank you,” said Torres, who at the moment of putting forth his hand kept it back in spite of himself.
“We shall be off at daybreak to-morrow,” added Joam Garral, “so you had better get your things on board.”
“Oh, that will not take me long!” answered Torres; “there is only myself and nothing else!”
“Make yourself at home,” said Joam Garral.