n which the gold will be packed. As to
conveyances, there is a large launch for our own use, and she will tow a
couple of narrow native craft, and more if necessary. Once we have
settled there, she will return with us, and will make periodical trips
from the mines as soon as you have taken charge. She will be close to
your hand, and if you meet with trouble you will know that there is a
means of flight, and a way by which you can reach the coast. Now let us
see to our personal outfit, for remember, we may be months away, and we
are going into parts which try the best of clothing."

They took their way into the town, for they had been chatting on the
beach, where many of the stores for their expedition had been
accumulated. Then they went by the road which led to the house which
Dick's father had erected, and which had now passed into the keeping of
the two partners. There they found a native tailor, with his wares
already spread out on the verandah.

"He is a humble and patient individual," said Mr Pepson, with a smile,
"and he will have carried out my orders to the letter. These natives
cannot always cut garments, and for bush work, as for any other, it is
essential that one's clothes should fit easily and well, for otherwise
in this hot climate they are apt to chafe. That being the case, I have
for years made it a practice to get a stock of clothes when in England,
and then allow a native to copy. You understand, he picks a suit to
pieces, and makes use of the bits as patterns. He has a couple of suits
here for us both. Yours is a copy of one which we found in your room.
Come along. Give it a trial."

This slender, cadaverous-looking Englishman from Sierra Leone seemed to
be able to think of everything. Time and again Dick had cause to wonder
at his thoughtfulness, his care for others, and particularly for our
hero; and long ago he had ceased to do more than murmur his thanks, for
Mr Pepson would arrest him at once with a warning finger and a friendly
smile.

"What!" he would exclaim, "am I not to be allowed to do something for
the comfort of one who saved my life, and that, too, of our stout
friend, Meinheer Van Somering? The world is indeed an ungrateful place
if one is to receive such an act with only passing thanks, to reward it
with a nod and a few polite words, and then in the rush which surrounds
us to forget the deed and the one who gallantly performed it. Surely
there is as much pleasure in