his own crew in our
defense."

The coronel's jaw dropped. He blinked as if disbelieving his ears.

"He--Jose? Not possible!" he stuttered. "Jose--this man--defended you
against his companions?"

"Exactly."

The Brazilian slowly shook his head. Then suddenly he nodded as if an
illuminating thought had crossed his mind.

"I see. Jose is very well paid."

"One dollar a day," was McKay's dry retort.

At that moment 'Tonio re-entered with a larger tray than before, bearing
more coffee, long cigars, and squat glasses in which glowed a golden
liquid. Tim sat up with a grunt and helped himself with both hands. When
the coronel's turn came he disregarded the drinks, but lit the cigar as
if he needed it.

"_De noite todos os gatos sao pardos_," he said. "At night all cats are
gray. I am much in the dark, gentlemen. If you would be so good as to
enlighten me--"

He paused, looking sidewise again at Jose as if the _puntero_ had
suddenly grown wings or horns.

"All right," nodded Knowlton, biting and lighting his cigar. "We are
somewhat in the dark ourselves as to why Jose has been so zealous, for
he has been very taciturn since the recent fight at our camp. Perhaps
Jose also is a bit hazy about our expedition--he looked rather surprised
just now. So here is the situation."

Briefly then he outlined the object of the search, stating that the
identity of the mysterious Raposa was a matter of some concern to
certain persons in the United States and that the expedition had been
formed with the view of settling the question. From the time of the
landing at Remate de Males, however, he narrated events more fully,
giving complete details of Schwandorf's activities, Francisco's offense,
and the final attack by the crew. While he talked the coronel's frown
deepened. Also, Jose gradually assumed the expression of a thundercloud.
And when the tale was done the _puntero_ exploded.

"_Sangre de Cristo!_" he yelled. "_El Aleman_--the German--he told you
we would go among the cannibals? We? Peruvians? _Madre de Dios!_ If ever
I get within knife length of him! Nunes, you see, do you not?"

The coronel nodded grimly.

"I see that he planned to have all of you destroyed. Senhor Knowlton,
that black-bearded and black-hearted man suggested that you take
Mayoruna women? He told you they were shapely of body and tried to put
into your minds the thought of making them your paramours? The snake!

"He did not tell you, then, that the Ma