looked well. Suddenly shots were
fired at us from the bush, and a boat pushed out toward us. Our agent,
as I have said, was killed at the very first discharge, while I was
struck on the head, and was almost stunned. Still I managed to seize a
paddle, and Meinheer did the same. We paddled for our lives, with the
natives in hot pursuit. I hardly know how it happened afterwards, but
think that Meinheer must have been cramped, and endeavoured to change
his position. He slipped, fell against the side of the boat, and--well,
you know his size and weight--it capsized us instantly, and we were
thrown into the river. I never saw him again. He may have clung to the
boat and been captured. On the other hand, it is more than probable
that he went straight to the bottom. As for myself, I swam for the bank
and scrambled ashore, receiving another wound as I left the water. Then
I raced on into the bush with those fiends after me, and finally fell
exhausted. But they must have given up the chase, for when I regained
consciousness there was no one about. I was desperately fagged, but I
knew that I should die like a dog if I remained there, so I plunged on
through the bush, and finally hit the river. Then I came upon some
friendly natives who brought me here. That's all, my boy, and I am more
than grieved to have to narrate it. Poor Meinheer is gone, and if you
had been killed also I should have been heart-broken; I thank Heaven
that you are safe. Now sit down and tell me how you managed to win
through."

"First of all, what shall be done with these bags?" asked Dick. "They
contain gold dust and nuggets. The mine was doing very well, and there
were rich finds, so that I have been able to bring you a good return."

Again there was amazement on Mr Pepson's face. He gazed at his young
agent as though he could not believe his eyes and ears. Then he
motioned to him to sit down.

"I care more for your story," he said. "The gold is nothing to me till
I hear that. Sit down, and let me hear all about your doings."

It was late that night when the two turned in, and on the following
morning, when the gold had been safely deposited at the bank, they
resumed the conversation, for Dick had a question to put. His heart was
in the country, and he desired above all things to see the war through.
Besides, the idea of taking part in a campaign fascinated him, and he
longed to go up-country to Kumasi with the troops.

CHAPT