however, caught Glenarvan's ear as sounding like Spanish,
a few sentences of which he could speak.

ESPANOL?" he asked.

The Patagonian nodded in reply, a movement of the head which has
an affirmative significance among all nations.

"That's good!" said the Major. "Our friend Paganel will be
the very man for him. It is lucky for us that he took it
into his head to learn Spanish."

Paganel was called forthwith. He came at once, and saluted the stranger
with all the grace of a Frenchman. But his compliments were lost
on the Patagonian, for he did not understand a single syllable.

However, on being told how things stood, he began in Spanish, and opening
his mouth as wide as he could, the better to articulate, said:

"_Vos sois um homen de bem_." (You are a brave man.)

The native listened, but made no reply.

"He doesn't understand," said the geographer.

"Perhaps you haven't the right accent," suggested the Major.

"That's just it! Confound the accent!"

Once more Paganel repeated his compliment, but with no better success.