ordinary
happening--a necessary step to take, for the N'gombi, and especially the
Inner N'gombi, are a secretive people, and news from local sources is
hard to come by.

"I shall never be surprised to learn that a war has been going on in the
N'gombi for two months without our hearing a word about it."

"If they fight amongst themselves--yes," said Captain Hamilton; "if they
fight outsiders, there will be plenty of bleats. Why not send Bones to
overlook his sugar experiments," he added.

"Let's talk about something pleasant," said Bones hastily.

It was exactly three months later when he actually made the trip.

"Take the _Zaire_ up to the bend of the Isisi," said Sanders one
morning, at breakfast, "and find out what Ali Kano is doing--the lazy
beggar should have reported."

"Any news from the N'gombi?" asked Hamilton.

"Only roundabout stories of their industry. Apparently the sugar
merchant is making big experiments. He has set half the people digging
roots for him. Be ready to sail at dawn."

"Will it be a dangerous trip?" asked the girl.

"No. Why?" smiled Sanders.

"Because I'd like to go. Oh, please, don't look so glum! Bones is
awfully good to me."

"Better than a jolly old brother," murmured Bones.

"H'm!" Sanders shook his head, and she appealed to her brother.

"Please!"

"I wouldn't mind your going," said Hamilton, "if only to look after
Bones."

"S-sh!" said Bones reproachfully.

"If you're keen on it, I don't see why you shouldn't--if you had a
chaperon."

"A chaperon!" sneered Bones. "Great Heavens! Do, old skipper, pull
yourself together. Open the jolly old window and give him air. Feelin'
better, sir?"

"A chaperon! How absurd!" cried the girl indignantly. "I'm old enough to
be Bones's mother! I'm nearly twenty--well, I'm older than Bones, and
I'm ever so much more capable of looking after myself."

The end of it was that she went, with her Kano maid and with the wife of
Abiboo to cook for her. And in two days they came to the bend of the
river, and Bones pursued his inquiries for the missing spy, but without
success.

"But this I tell you, lord," said the little chief who acted as
Sanders's agent, "that there are strange things happening in the N'gombi
country, for all the people have gone mad, and are digging up their
teeth (tusks) and bringing them to a white man."

"This shall go to Sandi," said Bones, realizing the importance of the
news; and that same evening he turned