In Search of an Unknown Race — page 118: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

108 VAN. Van generally rose before the sun had shown his ruddy face behind the eastern crest of the mountain ranges. And when he went out into the open court- yard or upon the veranda, ten to one Ninada was there. sometimes with great masses of rare blossoms in her white arms, for the decoration of the quaint interior. At other times feeding some one of the numerous pets of which almost every family in Itambez kept one or sore. There was a tiny spider monkey, a pair of tame foucans, and at least halfa dozen parrots and parra- keets, that were suffered to fly at will about the courtyard. A long legged white ibis was generally seen gravely stalking—storking, Van said—-behind his beautiful young mistress, as she roamed through the wonderful terraced garden, which itself was like a glance into fairy- land. Pet squirrels ate from her hand, a chameleon perched contentedly, if changefuily, on her shoulder, and even Pedro, the armadillo, would thrust his head from its shell at her call. Flores, whose room adjoined Van’s was indolent, and seldom left his hammock till long after the others, so ~ that Van and Ninada were left much to their own devices in the morning hour. And it was wonderful how fast Van Briscoe acquired the musical language spoken in Itambez. Blessed with magnificent health, the young girl was indefatigable in showing her cousin the “ sights” of the city. True, there were no theaters or concerts, ball rooms or picture galleries. But there were temples with pic- tured walls, and hieroglyphics in indelible colors, (EORMIELOCOOLKS4(E0)