fit to be obtained by our supremacy is that our
sportsmen would certainly speedily diminish the number of wild beasts
that at 'present are a scourge to cultivators; the tigers would be
killed down, the elephants captured and utilized, and the poor people
would not see their plantations ravaged, but would be able to travel
through their forests without the constant danger of being carried
off by tigers and panthers, and possibly be able to cross their rivers
without the risk of being snapped up by alligators; though, doubtless,
it would take some time before this would be brought about."

"And when do you think that we shall be going up the river, Doctor?"

"That I cannot say. The Captain has been expecting orders ever since we
came here, six weeks ago; but possibly something may have been learned
of Sehi's characteristics, and there may be doubts as to the expediency
of taking under our protection a chief whose conduct appears to be
anything but satisfactory. On the other hand, it may be considered that
by so doing we may establish some sort of influence over the surrounding
tribes, and so make a step towards promoting trade and putting a stop to
these tribal wars, that are the curse of the country."

"It would be an awful sell if they were to change their minds," Harry
exclaimed.

"I should be sorry myself, Parkhurst, for you know I am a collector. But
I can tell you that you won't find it all sport and pleasure. You
will have no cool sea breezes; there will be occasion for continual
watchfulness, and perhaps long boat expeditions up sluggish streams, in
an atmosphere laden with moisture and miasma."

"One expects some drawbacks, Doctor."

"You will find a good many, I can tell you, youngster. Still, I hope
we shall go up; and I think that we shall do so, for it will be the
Captain's report that will help the authorities to decide whether to
appoint a Resident there or not."

A fortnight later a small dispatch boat steamed in and the news soon
spread through the ship that the Serpent was to ascend the river on
the following day. All was at once bustle and animation. Sailors like
anything for a change, and all were impatient at the long delay that had
occurred.

CHAPTER III.

The gunboat was a large one, and carried two midshipmen besides
Parkhurst and Balderson, who were, however, their seniors. The mess
consisted of the four lads, a master's mate, the doctor's assistant, and
the paymaster's clerk. In