Ned and Lord John Roxton eat in a room at the rookery where Roxton is lodging. The room is decorated with pictures and trophies from famous explorers. Roxton asks for Ned’s help with a man upstairs—a famous jockey named Jack Ballinger. When Ballinger drinks, he is belligerent; currently he is refusing to eat. Roxton says that Ballinger is on his bed upstairs with a pistol, threatening to shoot anyone on staff who enters his room.

Ned agrees and Roxton laughs. He says that he subdued Ballinger that morning; he was testing Ned’s bravery. If they go to South America together, Roxton has to know that he can count on Ned for help. He gives Ned a rifle and they talk about Challenger. Roxton believes everything Challenger said at the meeting. Roxton has spent a great deal of time in South America and knows how much of it remains unexplored.

Ned talks to McArdle, his editor, and summarizes the day’s events. McArdle proposes that Ned go with Challenger, sending updates via letters. The letters will either be held for later editing or published, depending on Challenger’s wishes.

On the dock where their ship will depart, Challenger gives Roxton, Ned, and Summerlee an envelope that can only be opened at Manaos at a specific hour.