a native.

For years he had acted as Mr Stapleton's manager, and tales were
whispered in the place that he robbed his employer, that he had dealings
with the natives of the interior which, had they come to the knowledge
of Mr Stapleton or to the ears of the authorities, would have gained
for him instant dismissal, and in all probability imprisonment. But Mr
Stapleton had never suspected, and the apathy of the officials had
caused them to disregard rumours. And so it happened that James went on
with his peculations and his illicit trading till Dick came out to the
Gold Coast, just four months before, and at once plunged into the
business with the intention of mastering every detail. Gradually, as
the books and the working of the store became familiar to him, Dick had
begun to suspect, and then had become almost certain of the fact that
the manager was dishonest.

"I'll make sure first of all," he had said. "I am new to ledgers and
journals, and, in fact, to trade of any sort, and it is possible that I
may be mistaken. I'll go through the entries again, so that there shall
be no room for doubt."

Unconsciously his manner had altered to the manager. He was too honest
to be on familiar terms with a man whom he suspected of robbing his
father and as a result James guessed that he was found out, that this
young Englishman regarded him with suspicion. He would have fled the
place then and there had he had the means. But he had long since spent
all his ill-gotten wealth. He remained, therefore, and while still
contemplating the step, went on with his work as if he had nothing to
fear. A few days later a sharp bout of fever, not the first which he
had suffered by any means, attacked Mr Stapleton, and to Dick's
inexpressible grief he succumbed.

"Then I must go," said James Langdon, and with that he promptly decided
to rob the son and decamp.

Only a week had passed since Mr Stapleton's death, when the half-caste
proceeded to put his plan into execution; and there he was, disguised in
order that Dick should not recognise him, naked and well smeared with
oil, so that if his young employer happened to awake and endeavoured to
detain him, his grip would instantly slip from his body.

"He's fast asleep, and now's the time," whispered James, running his
fingers across his forehead to wipe the perspiration away. "I'll creep
in and search for the box."

He stood to his full height and peered over the rail of the vera