"Our compatriot is not going to stop at the frontier," said Fragoso,
"he is going on to Manaos."

"Well, then," replied Benito, "if you will come on board the jangada
you will be well received, and I am sure my father will give you a
passage."

"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.