remembering a brave act and a good friend
as in anything. I hold that a gentleman never forgets his debts of
gratitude, for they are indeed debts of honour, which can never be
settled too completely."

And Dick would become silent, though now and again he would lamely
protest that he had done nothing at all.

"That is your modesty, Dick," would be the answer. "I may say the same.
I have done nothing more than any business man would do. You are to be
my agent. I have a big stake in these mines, and I wish all to go well.
Consequently, to avoid future loss, I equip my agent with the best and
see to his welfare."

There was no arguing with such a man. He would smile that dry smile of
his and would turn away. But Dick did not forget. If Mr Pepson was
grateful, so also was he, for he was indeed in clover. He saw work
before him, hard work, too; for he had been given to understand that the
post of agent would be no sinecure. Then he was now a partner with Mr
Pepson and the Dutchman in the store which his father had had for so
many years. It had reopened already with a flourish. A manager had
been appointed, and there were prospects of reviving the business, so
that Dick might look forward to an income. Then he had been credited
with a good sum, which Mr Pepson had insisted was the value of the
partnership, while a further sum was to be paid every year in the way of
rent for the residence. And now, as if that were not enough, here was a
complete outfit. Dick donned the clothes which the native had prepared,
and stepped into the centre of the verandah for Mr Pepson's approval.

"You will do well," said the latter, when he had surveyed him
critically. "The stuff is some which I imported specially. It is a
dark cloth, as you observe, and, while being thin and light, it is
strong, and to a certain extent waterproof. It will stand the thorns in
the jungle, and better perhaps, should we meet with trouble, you will
find that it does not make the wearer conspicuous. There is a green
shade in it, and that will be difficult to detect against the foliage.
Now the hat. That will do, too. It is made of the same material, and
is just the thing for the jungle. A topee would be in the way, and
besides, the sun does not penetrate very much, and, indeed, is often not
to be seen. You will carry a topee in your kit for open spaces."

Three days later all was in readiness, and Dick found himself dressed in
preparation f