t; we must push on
to the river now. The mules must have water."

"Right you are," said the stranger. He pointed to one heavily laden
mule. "We don't need those provisions. Give them to Old Immortality.
They'll last her a hundred years."

CHAPTER XIII

They arrived in Petrolina at dawn. Before them swept the vast river.
Beyond it could be seen the dazzling walls and restful, brown-tiled
roofs of Joazeiro. The distant whistle of a shunting locomotive jarred
on the morning stillness.

For the first time Lewis saw the stranger in action. Off came the loads.
They were sorted rapidly. Tent, outfit, and baggage were piled into one
of the ponderous ferry-canoes that lined the shore. All that was left
was handed over to the guide for equal division among the men.

"Now," cried the stranger, "there's always a marketplace. Tell them to
take this worn-out bunch along and find the cattle corner." He waved at
the ponies and mules.

The market was in full swing. Rubber, goatskins, hides, and orchids from
the interior; grain, tobacco, sugar, and rum from the river valley, met,
mingled, and passed at this crossways of commerce. The stranger stood
beside his mules. The dome of his pith helmet rose above the average
level of heads. People gazed upon it in mild wonder, and began to crowd
around.

"Now," said the stranger, poking Lewis's thin pony in the ribs, "offer
this jack-rabbit for sale, cash and delivery on the minute."

"Offer my--my pony----" stammered Lewis.

The stranger eyed him grimly.

"_Your_ pony?"

Suddenly Lewis remembered. He threw up his head and called out as he was
bidden. People nudged one another, but no man spoke. Then a wag on the
outskirts of the crowd shouted:

"I'll give thee a penny for what's left of that horse, brother."

There was a ripple of laughter. Lewis colored, and his eyes grew moist.

"He says he will give a penny," he said.

"A penny?" said the stranger, gravely. "Take it. Cash, mind you. Cash on
delivery."

The sale was made amid general consternation. As the dazed wag led his
purchase away, he trembled as though from a first stroke of paralysis.
The marketplace began to buzz, to hum, and then to shout, "A stranger
sells horses for a penny, cash on delivery!" They laughed and crowded
nearer. Merchants forgot their dignity, and came running from the
streets of the town.

"Now, boy, this one," said the stranger, poking a mule; "but be careful.
Be careful to wait for th