"Yes, it is," the captain answered. "I think that we can safely say
that the Argentine Republic is the only country in the world where
the only way to land at its chief city is in a cart."

The captain's boat was by this time lowered, and he at once started
for shore with his papers. Soon after ten o'clock he returned,
followed by a number of boats. He brought also a letter to Mr.
Hardy from an old friend who had been settled for some years near
Buenos Ayres, and whose advice had decided him to fix upon that
country as the scene of his labors. It contained a warm welcome,
and a hearty congratulation upon their safe arrival. This letter
had been written two or three days previously, and had been left at
the office of the steamship company. It said, however, that the
writer would hear of the arrival of the steamer, and would have
everything in readiness to take them out to his place upon their
landing.

Mr. Hardy had been in frequent communication with his friend from
the time that he had determined to emigrate, and Mr. Thompson's
letters had contained the warmest assurance of a welcome, and an
invitation to make his house their home until they had one of their
own to go into; and now this kind letter, coming off so instantly
after their arrival, cheered them all much, and made them feel less
strange and to some extent at home in the new country at once.




CHAPTER III.