These very exact details were given by Harris, who appeared to be very strongly posted on the manners of the “nandons.”

Mrs. Weldon and her companions were obliged to acknowledge that they had been deceived.

“Besides,” added Harris, “possibly we may encounter another band of these ostriches.  Well, next time look better, and no longer allow yourselves to takes birds for quadrupeds!  But above all, my young friend, do not forget my recommendations, and do not fire on any animal whatsoever.  We have no need of hunting to procure food, and no detonation of a fire-arm must announce our presence in this forest.”

Meanwhile Dick Sand remained pensive.  Once more a doubt had just arisen on his mind.

The next day, April 17th, the march was continued, and the American affirmed that twenty-four hours would not pass before the little troop should be installed at the Farm of San Felice.

“There, Mrs. Weldon,” added he, “you will receive all the care necessary to your position, and a few days’ rest will quite restore you.  Perhaps you will not find at this farm the luxury to which you are accustomed in your residence in San Francisco, but you will see that our improved lands in the interior do not lack what is comfortable.  We are not absolutely savages.”

“Mr. Harris,” replied Mrs. Weldon, “if we have only thanks to offer you for your generous resort, at least we shall offer them to you with all our hearts.  Yes!  It is time for us to arrive there!”

“You are very much fatigued, Mrs. Weldon?”

“I, no matter!” replied Mrs. Weldon; “but I perceive that my little Jack is gradually becoming exhausted!  The fever begins to affect him at certain hours!”

“Yes,” replied Harris, “and although the climate of this plateau is very healthful, it must be acknowledged that in March and April intermittent fevers reign.”

“Doubtless,” then said Dick Sand, “but also Nature, who is always and everywhere provident, has put the remedy near the evil!”

“And how is that, my young friend?” asked Harris, who did not seem to understand.

“Are we not, then, in the region of the quinquinas?” replied Dick Sand.

“In fact,” said Harris, “you are perfectly right.  The trees which furnish, the precious febrifuge bark are native here.”

“I am even astonished,” added Dick Sand, “that we have not yet seen a single one.”

“Ah! my young friend,” replied Harris, “those trees are not easy to distinguish.  Though they are often of great height, though their leaves are large, their flowers rosy and odoriferous, we do not discover them easily.  It is rarely that they grow in groups.  They are rather scattered through the forests, and the Indians who collect the quinquina can only recognize them by their foliage, always green.”

“Mr. Harris,” said Mrs. Weldon, “if you see one of those trees you will show it to me.”