front was an extensive garden; and as Mr. Thompson had made it one
of his first objects when he built his house to plant a large
number of tropical trees and shrubs, these had now attained a
considerable size, and afforded a delicious shade. At a short
distance behind the house were the houses of the men, and the
corrals, or enclosures, for the cattle.

The interior was handsomely furnished in the European style, except
that the floors were uncarpeted, and were composed of polished
boards. Everywhere were signs that the proprietor was a prosperous
and wealthy man. Mr. Thompson had only one son, a lad of about the
same age as Charles Hardy. To his care Mrs. Thompson now assigned
the boys, while she conducted Mrs. Hardy and her daughters to their
rooms.

In half an hour the party reassembled at dinner, to which they all
did ample justice, for their long row and ride had given them the
keenest of appetites. They were waited upon by an Italian
man-servant; and Mrs. Thompson said that there were a good many of
this nation in Buenos Ayres, and that, although they were not
considered good hands for rough work, they made excellent servants
many of them having been waiters in hotels or stewards on board
ship before coming out.

During dinner the conversation turned chiefly upon English friends
and affairs, and upon the events of the voyage. After it was over
George Thompson proposed to the boys to take a stroll round the
place before it became dark. The gentlemen lit their cigars and
took their seats under the veranda; and the two ladies, with Maud
and Ethel, went out into the garden. The conversation of Mr. Hardy