rward his great flat nose and
rubbed mine heartily therewith. My first impulse was to draw back, but
fortunately my better judgment came to my aid in time, and prevented me
from running the risk of hurting the feelings of our black friend. And
I had at that time lived long enough to know that there is nothing that
sinks so bitterly into the human heart as the repulse, however slightly,
of a voluntary demonstration of affection. I had made up my mind that
if the dirtiest negro in all Africa should offer to rub noses with me, I
would shut my eyes and submit.

I observed among the crew of Mbango's canoe a female figure who
instantly attracted my attention and awakened my sympathy. She was
seated on a rock, paying no attention whatever to the events that were
occurring so near to her, and which, for aught she could tell, might be
to her matter of life or death. Her hands hung idly by her side; her
body was bowed forward; her head drooped on her breast; and her whole
appearance indicated a depth of woe such as I have never before seen
equalled.

I pointed to her and looked at Mbango in surprise. He looked first at
the woman and then at me, and shook his head mournfully; but being
unable to speak to me, or I to him, of course I could not gather much
from his looks.

I was about to turn to our guide, when the woman raised her head a
little, so that her face was exposed. I at once recognised the features
of Njamie, Mbango's favourite wife, and I was now at no loss to divine
the cause of her grief.

Starting up in haste, I ran away back at full speed towards the spot
where our canoe lay. Jack and Peterkin, seeing how matters stood, were
by that time advancing to meet us, and the little boy followed. I
passed them without uttering a word, seized the boy by the wrist, and
dragged him somewhat violently towards the place where his mother sat.

"Hollo, Ralph," shouted Peterkin as I passed, "see that you don't damage
my Puggy, else you'll have to--"

I heard no more. The next instant I stood beside Njamie, and placed her
boy before her. I have never in my life witnessed such a mingling of
intense eagerness, surprise, and joy, as was expressed by the poor woman
when her eyes fell on the face of her child. For one moment she gazed
at him, and the expressions I have referred to flitted, or rather
flashed, across her dusky countenance; then giving utterance to a
piercing shriek, she sprang forward and clasped her son t