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have you fellows on the premises,” he said. “Mrs. Retson will feel much safer if we have muscular reinforcements as near as the guesthouse. Not that I think anything will happen,” he added.
    Frank and Joe made plane reservations, then said good-by to their pals and drove back to Bayport to get ready for the flight to Brazil. Their mother made lunch, then helped them pack their belongings. Laura Hardy always made sure the detectives in the family were properly equipped.
    â€œI do hope you won’t be gone long,” she said.
    â€œNot too long, Mom,” Frank assured her. “It shouldn’t take more than a few days.”
    â€œThat’s long enough to get caught by a boa constrictor or eaten by piranhas,” came the voice of Aunt Gertrude, who had stepped into the boys’ bedroom. “You’ll probably get lost in the Amazon rain forest where the jaguars will take a bite out of you. Or the natives might nick you with their poison arrows.”
    â€œAunt Gertrude, we’re only going to Belem,” Joe reminded her. “It’s a modern city!”
    â€œAnything can happen down there,” Miss Hardy said sharply. “You boys had better look before you leap. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
    That evening Frank and Joe caught a connecting flight to New York. At Kennedy Airport they transferred to the jet to Brazil, and an hour later they were thundering through the air headed south.
    The Hardys had the first two seats in their row. The window seat was occupied by a black-haired Brazilian in his early forties who spoke excellent English. He introduced himself in a friendly manner. “We will be on this plane for quite some time so we might as well get to know one another. My name is Joachim San Marten.”

    Mrs. Retson was staring down at them
    Frank introduced himself and his brother. “What kind of a city is Belem?” Joe asked their new acquaintance.
    â€œVery romantic,” San Marten replied. “It is at the mouth of the Amazon, and has buildings dating back to colonial times. Do not miss the Ver-O-Peso market. But remember that the Portuguese name means Watch-the-Weight. That’s a wise rule to follow.” He laughed.
    Further conversation revealed that San Marten was a trader in wild animals.
    â€œZoos are always in the market for the snakes and big cats of the Amazon basin,” he told the boys. “I buy them from the natives and ship them around the world. You have no doubt seen some of my animals in the United States. And why are you two gentlemen going to Belem?”
    Frank said, “We’re on our way to meet a friend in the city.”
    â€œFrank’s afraid I’ll spill the beans again,” Joe thought and remained silent.
    â€œDo you have good accommodations?”
    â€œWe are going to stay at the Excelsior Grao Para,” Frank replied.
    â€œOh?” San Marten looked doubtful.
    â€œWhat’s the matter?”
    â€œNothing. It’s just that this hotel has not thebest reputation. It is said to be run by gangsters.”
    Frank grinned. “We’ll watch out for the mob.”
    San Marten nodded. “Please remember, if I can be of any assistance, do not hesitate to call on me.” He handed Frank his card.
    â€œThanks,” Frank said. Then all three settled back in their seats for a snooze.
    Hours later, in bright morning sunlight, the jetliner descended, and prepared for its landing at Belem. Through the window the boys could see the city. A riot of color was reflected from red, green, and yellow tiled roofs. Small craft and freighters rocked gently in the harbor.
    When they left the plane, the Hardys noticed San Marten waiting for a large crate that was being taken from the cargo compartment. It was covered by a tarpaulin.
    â€œI wonder if one of our friend’s dangerous animals is in there,” said Joe.
    â€œI suppose so,” Frank replied. “Maybe