ears," Max replied. "I met him first on the steamer
that brought me out from England."

"Ah! I was right then," said Bertram, in a somewhat kindlier tone than
he had yet spoken. "I felt certain that you were an Englishman when I
saw you yesterday; and yet, do you know, if you don't mind my saying so,
you don't altogether look like one."

"I'm not," said Max. "By birth I am a Pannonian, but I have lived in
England since I was quite a youngster. You, of course, are English.
There can be no sort of doubt about that."

"Am I so dreadfully insular, then?" the other inquired with a laugh. "I
thought the knocking about the world I have had would have rubbed the
edges off. Yes, I am an Englishman, I suppose, if ever there was one. I
hail from Gainsthorpe, in Yorkshire. Do you happen to know the place?"

"I should think so," said Max, with sudden animation. "I've stayed there
often."

After that they were both silent. The simple fact that they both
happened to be acquainted with the same obscure village struck them as a
marvellous coincidence; after a time, however, it became a bond that
bound them very closely together. Later on, for some reason not
altogether explainable, they left England, and talked of Brazil and life
in South America generally. Of the subject upon which they were for the
time being engaged they said nothing. They did not know each other
particularly well yet, and both felt it would be safer to let it alone.
Presently Moreas staggered into the verandah, stared wildly about him
for a few seconds, as if he were looking for some one, and then reeled
towards them.

"Come, come, Senors," he said with a hiccup, "I don't call this sociable
at all. Here we are enjoying ourselves in the room yonder, and you keep
away from us as if you don't desire our company. It isn't the sort of
thing to make us friendly."

He seized Max by the arm, and attempted to lead him in the direction of
the door, but the other shook him off.

"You must excuse me," he said. "I don't feel up to it to-night. Besides,
if the noise you are making is any criterion, you are getting along well
enough without us."

The other's mood had changed by this time. He turned and faced them,
supporting himself by the verandah rails.

"I suppose you don't want to offend me on the first evening of this
mem--mem--(_hic_) memorable journey?" he said.

"I have not the least desire to offend you," Max retorted.
"Nevertheless, I am not coming in. It i