at our doors
whilst we sleep."

"And I," said the exasperated Houssa, "promise you a great harvest of
whips that, so far from coming in your sleep, will keep you awake."

"Master, we did not know that you would come so soon," said the humble
headman; "also there was a rumour that your lordship had been drowned in
the storm and your _puc-a-puc_ sunk, and my young men were happy because
there would be no more wood to cut."

The _Zaire_, fuel replenished, slipped down the river, Hamilton leaning
over the rail promising unpleasant happenings as the boat drifted out
from the faithless village. He had cut things very fine, and could do no
more than hope that he would reach headquarters an hour or so before the
Administrator arrived by the mail-boat. If Bones could be trusted there
would be no cause for worry. Bones should have the men's quarters
whitewashed, the parade ground swept and garnished, and stores in
excellent order for inspection, and all the books on hand for the
Accountant-General to glance over.

But Bones!

Hamilton writhed internally at the thought of Francis Augustus and his
inefficiency.

He had sent his second the most elaborate instructions, but if he knew
his man, the languid Bones would do no more than pass those instructions
on to a subordinate.

It was ten o'clock on the morning of the inspection that the _Zaire_
came paddling furiously to the tiny concrete quay, and Hamilton gave a
sigh of relief. For there, awaiting him, stood Lieutenant Tibbetts in
the glory of his raiment--helmet sparkling white, steel hilt of sword
a-glitter, khaki uniform, spotless and well-fitting.

"Everything is all right, sir," said Bones, saluting, and Hamilton
thought he detected a gruffer and more robust note in the tone.

"Mail-boat's just in, sir," Bones went on with unusual fierceness.
"You're in time to meet His Excellency. Stores all laid out, books in
trim, parade ground and quarters whitewashed as per your jolly old
orders, sir."

He saluted again, his eyes bulging, his face a veritable mask of
ferocity, and, turning on his heel, he led the way to the beach.

"Here, hold hard!" said Hamilton; "what the dickens is the matter with
you?"

"Seen the error of my ways, sir," growled Bones, again saluting
punctiliously. "I've been an ass, sir--too lenient--given you a lot of
trouble--shan't occur again."

There was not time to ask any further questions.

The two men had to run to reach the landing place