.

AN ATTACK.
HOWEVER, if Manoel, to avoid giving rise to a violent scene on board, said nothing on the subject of Torres, he resolved to have an explanation with Benito.
"Benito," he began, after taking him to the bow of the jangada, "I have something to say to you." Benito, generally so good-humored, stopped as he looked at Manoel, and a cloud came over his countenance.
"I know why," he said; "it is about Torres." "Yes, Benito." "And I also wish to speak to you." "You have then noticed his attention to Minha ?" said Manoel, turning pale.
"Ah! It is not a feeling of jealousy, though, that exasperates you against such a man ?" said Benito quickly.
"No!" replied Manoel.

"Decidedly not! Heaven forbid I should do such an injury to the girl who is to become my wife.

No, Benito! She holds the adventurer in horror! I am not thinking anything of that sort; but it distresses me to see this adventurer constantly obtruding himself by his presence and conversation on your mother and sister, and seeking to introduce himself into that intimacy with your family which is already mine." "Manoel," gravely answered Benito, "I share your aversion for this dubious individual, and had I consulted my feelings I would already have driven Torres off the raft! But I dare not!" "You dare not ?" said Manoel, seizing the hand of his friend.

"You dare not ?" "Listen to me, Manoel," continued Benito.