Lola smiled, and, touching the strings of her guitar, sang softly:
"Minha terra tene palmerias
Onde canta a Sabia
As aves que acqui gorgeiao
Nao gorgeiao como la.
"Nosso ceo teni mais estrellas
Nossos varzenes tem mais flores
Nossos bosques tem mais vida,
Nossos vida mais amores."[6]
"Brava, little one," cried Uncle Prudente who had come out from his siesta refreshed and cool. "That was very prettily sung, little patriot. Have you children heard the news?"
"What news, my uncle?" asked Affonzo.
"That you are to go home with me to-morrow to see your grandmother."
"How glad I am!" cried Affonzo, and Lola danced up and down in delight, saying,
"It is long since we have been in Para, and the ride on the river will be so pleasant."
The next day was bright and fair and their sail down the great river as pleasant as they had anticipated. The air was cool and the sun partially under a cloud, so that the heat was not too great and the banks of the stream, with their trees and flowers, presented views as vivid and changing as a kaleidoscope.
The city of Para is one of the most important places in Brazil. From it are sent out into the world all the produce of the wonderful valley of the Amazon,—woods, rubber and fruits. Its markets are busy spots of industry, and its harbour teems with shipping.