and strawberries, one of
which was a mouthful, and figs unsurpassed in any other country. Then
there was the mamei, a fruit as large as a water-melon, very nice,
fresh, and not to be despised when preserved. Then there were several
sorts of pine apples, and a variety of melons. Indeed, the climate of
this region is especially favourable to the production of fruit, as the
thermometer seldom falls below 68 degrees, and never rises much above 76
degrees. Then the wine and the lemonade were delightfully cooled by
ice; an ample supply of snow being constantly brought down from the
mountain of Purace, distant little more than a day's journey.

In a short time Don Ricardo came in, and welcomed us in a hearty,
sailor-like fashion. He still retained his nautical manners and
appearance, as well as his seamanlike habits. He was broad-shouldered,
of moderate height, with a fine brow and an open countenance, and the
light blue eye of the Anglo-Saxon. We always called him Uncle Richard,
and he treated us as his nephews.

"You'll stop, now you have come," he said, shaking us all by the hand;
"I've been looking for you for many a day. We must have some hunting
and shooting. I will send over and let your father know that I have
laid an embargo on you, so that he must not expect you until you appear.
You can study as hard as you like in the evening, or whenever we are in
the house, and Mr Laffan will give you lectures on natural history
while we are on our excursions. Juan, mio amigo, you must remain also;
we have plenty of room, and can hang up a dozen hammocks, or fifty for
that matter; I have hooks provided on purpose in the hall."

Juan did not even make a show of refusing, for fear that the invitation
might not be pressed. I suspect that Uncle Richard was well aware of
his admiration for Dona Dolores, who was a distant cousin of Dona
Maria's. She was an only daughter, and heiress of a fair estate close
to Egido.

Mr Laffan making no objection, Don Ricardo despatched a messenger, as
he had promised, to our father, and we remained with clear consciences.

The house itself, I may here say, was a long low building, of two
stories only in one portion, round which ran a broad verandah. It
possessed no pretensions to architectural beauty, but was very neat and
comfortable inside, and even elegant on the garden front.

Before dinner Don Ricardo took us out to see the gardens and farm. In
the former, the fruits I have alr