we should both leave Eastbourne at once, travel
with Kouaga to Liverpool and embark for Africa without returning to
Trigger's, or saying a word to anyone?"

"We must. If we announce our intention of going we are certain to be
delayed, and as the steamers leave only once a month, delay may be fatal
to my mother's plans."

As he briefly explained to Kouaga that he had invited me to accompany him
I saw that companion to an African prince would be a much more genial
occupation than calculating sums in a gas-lit cellar; therefore, fired by
the pleasant picture he placed before me, I resolved to accept his
invitation.

"Very well, Omar," I said, trying to suppress the excitement that rose
within me. "We are friends, and where you go I will go also."

Delighted at my decision my friend sprang to his feet with a cry of joy,
and we all three snapped fingers, after which we each took a handful of
dry sand and by Omar's instructions placed it in one heap upon a rock.
Then, having first mumbled something over his amulets, he quickly stirred
the heap of sand with his finger, saying:

"As these grains of sand cannot be divided, so cannot the bonds of
friendship uniting Omar, Prince of Mo, with Scarsmere and Kouaga, be rent
asunder. Omar has spoken."

CHAPTER III.

OUTWARD BOUND.

HOW, trembling lest we should be discovered, we left Eastbourne by train
two hours later--Kouaga joining the train at Polegate so as to avoid
notice--how the Grand Vizier of Mo purchased our travelling necessities
in London; how we travelled to Liverpool by the night mail, and how we
embarked upon the steamer _Gambia_, it is unnecessary to relate in
detail. Suffice it to say that within twenty-four hours of meeting the
big negro we were safely on board the splendid mail-steamer where
everything was spick and span. Kouaga had engaged a cabin for our
exclusive use, and the captain himself had evidently ascertained that
Omar was a person of importance, for in passing us on deck he paused to
chat affably, and express a hope that we should find the voyage a
pleasant one.

"Your coloured servant has told me your destination," he said, addressing
Omar. "We can't land you there on account of the surf, but I understand a
boat from shore will be on the look-out. If it isn't, well, you'll have
to go on to Cape Coast Castle."

"The boat will be in readiness," Omar said smiling. "If it isn't, those
in charge will pay dearly for it. You know what I me