that the news had its importance
to Challoner. Prudence prevented her saying anything to her old friend
alone before he left, but she gave him a look which was expressive of
relief and satisfaction. As they drove home Challoner turned to Blake.

"I'll know more about the matter in a day or two," he said.
"Greythorpe's coming down."

"In my opinion, Sedgwick has ruined himself," Blake replied. "No
influence could get him the appointment now."

This view was taken by Greythorpe when he sat talking with Challoner a
few evenings afterwards.

"You were right about Captain Sedgwick," he remarked. "The man came
near getting us into serious difficulties. I suppose you have read the
newspaper account?"

"Yes. You have more complete information?"

Greythorpe nodded. "The other was accurate, so far as it went. The
fellow played a bold stroke, making the usual excuse; the necessity for
putting an end to the depredations and barbarities of a native headman."

"To do him justice, I daresay the excuse was good."

"It's possible, but Sedgwick's motive was not humanitarian. He knew
that if he could seize the headman's stronghold and effectively occupy
the surrounding country, we should stay there and after a protest or
two the French would have to acquiesce. As it happened, he bungled the
business, and, worst of all, had to be extricated by the people he
meant to outwit. They led him politely but very firmly across the
frontier, and now it's our part to express our regret and promise to
avoid any fresh aggression."

"What will you do with Sedgwick?"

"He'll have to be reprimanded, and after this we can't trust him with
independent authority. He's too venturesome, though I'll admit that it
would have been different if he had succeeded. Still, he has his
talents, and I daresay we'll find him useful in a subordinate post.
I'm inclined to sympathize with your friend Mrs. Chudleigh."

Challoner made no answer to this, and they talked about matters until
Blake came in, when Greythorpe left them alone together.

"He agrees with you about the African affair," said the Colonel.
"Sedgwick is, so to speak, done for and will be kept in the background
after this."

"It's more important that Mrs. Chudleigh is disposed of," Blake
replied. "As she can't help the man, she'll no longer have any motive
for troubling us, and I don't think she would do so out of malice.
That sets me free, and as you're getting strong again I ou