"No, Mrs. Weldon, no; surely I do not hesitate," replied the young novice; "but I cannot help regretting not being stranded a few degrees farther north or farther south.
We should have been in proximity to a port, and that circumstance, in facilitating our return to our country, would prevent us from taxing Mr. Harris's good will."
"Do not fear imposing upon me, Mrs. Weldon," returned Harris.
"I repeat to you that too rarely have I occasion to find myself again in the presence of my compatriots.
For me it is a real pleasure to oblige you."
"We accept your offer, Mr. Harris," replied Mrs. Weldon; "but I should not wish, however, to deprive you of your horse.
I am a good walker——"
"And I am a very good walker," replied Harris, bowing.
"Accustomed to long journeys across the pampas, it is not I who will keep back our caravan.
No, Mrs. Weldon, you and your little Jack will use this horse.
Besides, it is possible that we may meet some of the farm servants on the way, and, as they will be mounted—well, they will yield their horses to us."
Dick Sand saw well that in making new objections he would oppose Mrs. Weldon.
"Mr. Harris," said he, "when do we set out?"
"Even to-day, my young friend," replied Harris.
"The bad season commences with the month of April, and it is of the utmost importance for you to reach the farm of San Felice first.
Finally, the way across the forest is the shortest, and perhaps the safest.
It is less exposed than the coast to the incursions of wandering Indians, who are indefatigable robbers."
"Tom, my friends," replied Dick Sand, turning to the blacks, "it only remains for us to make preparations for departure.
Let us select, then, from among the provisions on hand, those which can be most easily transported, and let us make packs, of which each will take his share."
"Mr. Dick," said Hercules, "if you wish, I shall carry the whole load very well."
"No, my brave Hercules," replied the novice; "it will be better for us all to share the burden."
"You are a strong companion, Hercules," then said Harris, who looked at the negro as if the latter were for sale.
"In the markets of Africa you would be worth a good price."
"I am worth what I am worth," replied Hercules, laughing, "and the buyers will only have to run well, if they wish to catch me."
All was agreed upon, and to hasten the departure, each went to work.
However, they had only to think of feeding the little troop for the journey from the sea-coast to the farm, that is to say, for a march of ten days.
"But, before setting out, Mr. Harris," said Mrs. Weldon, "before accepting your hospitality, I beg you to accept ours.
We offer it to you with our best wishes."
"I accept, Mrs. Weldon; I accept with eagerness," replied Harris, gayly.
"In a few minutes our breakfast will be ready."
"Good, Mrs. Weldon.
I am going to profit by those ten minutes to go and get my horse and bring it here.
He will have breakfasted, he will."
"Do you want me to go with you, sir?" asked Dick Sand.
"As you please, my young friend," replied Harris. "Come; I shall make you acquainted with the lower course of this river."
Both set out.
During this time, Hercules was sent in search of the entomologist.
Faith, Cousin Benedict was very uneasy indeed about what was passing around him.
He was then wandering on the summit of the cliff in quest of an "unfindable" insect, which, however, he did not find.
Hercules brought him back against his will.
Mrs. Weldon informed him that departure was decided upon, and that, for ten days, they must travel to the interior of the country.
Cousin Benedict replied that he was ready to set out, and that he would not ask better than to cross America entirely, provided they would let him "collect" on the way.
Mrs. Weldon then occupied herself, with Nan's assistance, in preparing a comfortable repast—a good precaution before setting out.
During this time, Harris, accompanied by Dick Sand, had turned the angle of the cliff. Both followed the high bank, over a space of three hundred steps.
There, a horse, tied to a tree, gave joyous neighing at the approach of his master.
It was a vigorous beast, of a species that Dick Sand could not recognize.
Neck and shoulders long, loins short, and hindquarters stretched out, shoulders flat, forehead almost pointed. This horse offered, however, distinctive signs of those races to which we attribute an Arabian origin.
"You see, my young friend," said Harris, "that it is a strong animal, and you may count on it not failing you on the route."
Harris detached his horse, took it by the bridle, and descended the steep bank again, preceding Dick Sand.
The latter had thrown a rapid glance, as well over the river as toward the forest which shut up its two banks.