"Anything you choose, sir," was his usual answer.

For the few first times, vainly I thanked providence for having guided us to so good a man.

The conversation proceeding, the case universally became deplorable.

"Any fish can you do us the favour of giving ?"--"Oh no, sir."-- "Any soup ?"--"No, sir."-- "Any bread ?"--"Oh no, sir."-- "Any dried meat ?"--"Oh no, sir." If we were lucky, by waiting a couple of hours, we obtained fowls, rice, and farinha.

It not unfrequently happened that we were obliged to kill, with stones, the poultry for our own supper.