ed men
who were remarkable in some way--authors, artists, men of science, and
travellers. I took great interest in such society, and my knowledge of
South Africa and the private life of the Zulus caused me to be listened
to with attention whenever I was asked questions.

Two years passed in this way, and I made such rapid progress that I had
become a fair mathematician, understood book-keeping by double entry,
had gone through the six books of Euclid, could read and write French,
and might be said to be well educated. My tutor was surprised at the
rapidity with which I acquired knowledge. I, however, attributed it to
the cultivation of my powers of observation, which had been developed
during the wild life I had led in Africa.

My uncle at this period informed me that my tutor had told him, that I
had made such rapid progress, that there was no necessity for my
continuing my studies, and that he now considered it desirable that I
should decide what course I should adopt in life.

I knew my uncle must have already made up his mind, and so considered it
desirable that I should tell him that I had not sufficient experience to
make any selection, but would rather follow his advice.

"Then," said my uncle, "what do you think of coming into my office, and
learning the business which I have followed with tolerable success? The
army is poor pay, and often great hardship. The Indian Civil Service is
better, but I think you are too old for that, and I don't know any other
line that would suit you. You can live here with me as long as you find
it comfortable, and perhaps in time you may take my place."

During the whole of my residence with my uncle I had never been to his
office, which I now learned was in Fenchurch Street; and in a few days I
was taken by him and introduced to the head clerk, who, having received
instructions from my uncle, took me into an outer office and made me
acquainted with four young men who were clerks. These four young men
were considerably older than I was, as far as years were concerned, but
their manners and conversation soon caused me to look upon them as mere
boys; they seemed to have but little powers of reflection, to avoid
thinking deeply on any matter, and to endeavour to do as little work as
was possible. They indulged greatly in chaff; but, I suppose, from the
fact of my being the nephew of their chief, as they termed my uncle,
they never chaffed me. I felt but slight inclination