"If you will step closer, you can read the inscription on the tablet," said the doctor. "And that will answer your question."
"To the Memory of Friar Leandro do Sacramento of the Order of Carmelites, a graduate in the natural sciences at the University of Coimbra, first professor of botany in the School of Medicine in Rio, and first technical director of the Botanical Gardens."
"If I can do as much for this beautiful park as Friar Leandro did, I shall be content," said Doctor Barbosa.
"What a magnificent palm that is!" said the Senhor Lopez, as they turned from the pavilion and came in sight of an unusually tall tree.
"Yes," said the doctor, "that is a royal palm, over one hundred and twenty-five feet high. The seed is said to have been brought here by a Portuguese naval officer who escaped from prison on the Isle de France. It was planted with great care by the regent, Dom Joao himself, and here is the splendid result. I am sorry that I must leave you now, but you must come again to see the gardens."
"Thank you very much for all that you have shown us," said Affonzo, and all the children chorused, "Thank you very much."
"It is past noon and we ought to be at home now," said the Senhor looking at his watch.
"I believe I am hungry," said Martim, "though I hadn't thought about it before."
So they all went back to the house with appetites such as the balmy air of Rio gives to young and vigorous boys and girls.