human
There's gold too to be washed out of the soil, he said, looking hard at Rodd;
gpt
Why?
human
Because, said the man, shaking a fore-finger at him, upon which was a thick gold ring,
gpt
But, said the doctor,
human
Oh, yes, said the Spanish captain.
gpt
I have been coming here for ten years, and never saw another vessel up here before--only the big canoes of the blacks. Why, I could take you into the forest and show you plenty of beautiful birds and flowers, and all kinds of wonders.
human
But the forest seems to be impassable,
gpt
Yes, said the Spaniard, with a laugh--
human
he continued, waving his hand to where the forest retired back.
gpt
There are sluggish streams where you can wander for days, and camp ashore, and shoot all kinds of things. I used to at one time, when it was all new to me; and I collected skins and sent them to Cadiz and other European cities, where they sold well. But I have given all that up long enough. The black king--bah!--chief--he's only a savage. He makes his people collect the palm-oil and other things for me, and I load up and take them back.
human
Then you would make a good guide,
gpt
I, captain? said the man eagerly.
human
Oh yes. A man could not come here for ten years, and stay a month or two each time, without getting to know the country well.
gpt
I suppose not. But this is the captain. I am only a doctor, travelling to make discoveries.
human
Ah, a doctor! cried the Spaniard eagerly.
gpt
Then you will help me and one or two of my men! Yes? I will pay you well.
human
Oh, said the doctor quietly,
gpt
Uncle, said Rodd quickly,
human
Well, well, said the doctor,
gpt
I am glad to know you, Senor Medico, said the Spaniard, patting on the stiffness of the formal Don and bowing profoundly,
human
Oh yes, said the doctor.
gpt
One never knows what enemies one may meet with among savage people; so we are well-armed, and as you see have a good crew.
human
Yes, yes,
gpt
But I thank you. We have plenty of powder.
human
So have I, said the Spaniard.
gpt
The black chief is always glad to buy it, and guns too. That is my money--that and rum. Those will always buy palm-oil. But I have plenty of ship stores; canvas, oakum, and pitch. You are mending the other ship, I see. Can I sell you some?
human
I thank you, no, said the doctor.
gpt
We are well supplied, I think, with everything; and in reply, if there is anything you want that we can supply to you I shall be pleased.
human
Then I should like a few canisters of your good English powder.
gpt
Thought you said you'd plenty,
human
Yes, he said significantly,
gpt
I have plenty. It is good for the black man's guns. But if you fired it from yours--pff! It makes much smoke, and the barrel very wet, and the shot do not go too far. But the black men know no better. I do. Ha, ha! You will let me have a few pounds for my own pistols?
human
And that long gun of yours too?
gpt
Yes, said the Spaniard.
human
As your medico says, one never knows what savage people one may meet. It is good too behind a bullet for our friends here in the river. You have seen them?
gpt
Oh yes, said Rodd,
human
Ugh! Beasts! said the Spaniard.
gpt
Last time I was here they swept two of my men out of a boat, and I never saw them more. We caught some fish as we came up the river, at the mouth. _Adios, senores_; I will send you some. We shall meet again. I do not hurry for some days, for I am before my time.
human
How far is it up to the town?
gpt
Three days' journey. This is a great river, and the water is deep right up into the country till you reach the mountains, far beyond the town.
human
Well, said the doctor,
gpt
No,