en working for us two months. He war at his
work yesterday. He put up this business, but how we sprised him! Ther
devil that jumped from the wagon when ther scrimmage begun war his
runnin' pard. Wur it not lucky neither hoss war hit?"

They reached Port Natal in six days without further incident; but despite
all the care that Sedgwick could give it, Jordan's arm was badly inflamed
and very painful when they reached the seashore.

No regular steamer was in port, but the "Pallas" was seen at anchor out
in the roadstead.

Sedgwick engaged a boat, and with Jordan pulled out to the steamer.

McGregor was delighted at their coming, took them on board and said:
"Now, boys, we will have a night of it."

But Sedgwick said: "First, Captain, I want your surgeon to look at
Jordan's arm."

"Why, of course," said McGregor. The doctor was called. He examined the
arm, then tested the man's temperature, and finally said:

"The wound is nothing in itself. Under normal conditions it would heal in
a fortnight, but Mr. Jordan's system is run down. He has a low fever on
him now, and needs immediate treatment and careful nursing."

This was a new situation, and one that troubled Sedgwick exceedingly. He
was silent for a few seconds, and then looking up, said:

"Captain McGregor, where do you go next?"

"I was just going to pull out for Calcutta, Hong Kong, Yokohama and San
Francisco," he replied.

"And when do you sail?" asked Sedgwick.

"I intended to put to sea to-morrow," was the answer; "everything is
ready."

"Can I induce you for love and money to make the run at full speed to
Naples or Marseilles?" asked Sedgwick.

"Not for money, but for love, yes," was the reply.

"And can I have a room for Jordan right now?" was the next question.

"You shall have the bridal chamber of my ship," said McGregor.

"Thanks, Captain," said Sedgwick, "and now let us get the dear old boy to
bed."

Jordan insisted that he was not ill, but before they could get him
undressed he was seized with a chill, and they worked upon him an hour
before he rallied, grew warm and fell asleep.

In the meantime the night had come down, so Sedgwick got a little supper
and then went back to his friend. The captain, steward, indeed all hands,
were all attention, for they knew all about both men.

Next morning Jordan was comfortable, but the fever was having its way.
Sedgwick went ashore, got his own and Jordan's baggage and the bullion,
and when he re