"To-day is the
8th, to-morrow is the 9th--the box shall be in your hands on the 15th by
half-past seven in the evening, dear old sir."

He saluted and turned a baleful glare upon the girl, the import of which
she was to learn at first hand.

"Duty, Miss Patricia Hamilton! Forgive poor old Bones if he suddenly
drops the mask of _dolce far niente_--I go!"

He saluted again and went marching stiffly to his quarters, with all the
dignity which an empty lunch-box and a dangling water-bottle would allow
him.

The next morning Bones went forth importantly for the Ochori city, being
entrusted with the task of holding, so to speak, the right flank of the
N'gombi country.

"You will use your discretion," Sanders said at parting, "and, of
course, you must keep your eyes open; if you hear the merest hint that
the box is in your neighbourhood, get it."

"I think, your Excellency," said Bones, with heavy carelessness, "that
I have fulfilled missions quite as delicate as this, and as for
observation, why, the gift runs in my family."

"And runs so fast that you've never caught up with it," growled
Hamilton.

Bones turned haughtily and saluted. It was a salute full of subdued
offence.

He went joyously to the northward, evolving cunning plans. He stopped
at every village to make inquiries and to put the unoffending villagers
to considerable trouble--for he insisted upon a house-to-house
search--before, somewhat wearied by his own zeal, he came to the Ochori.

Chief Bosambo heard of his coming and summoned his councillors.

"Truly has Sandi a hundred ears," he said in dismay, "for it seems that
he has heard of the slaying of Muchini. Now, all men who are true to me
will swear to the lord Tibbetti that we know nothing of a killing
palaver, and that we have not been beyond the trees to the land side of
the city. This you will all say because you love me; and if any man says
another thing I will beat him until he is sick."

Bones came and was greeted by the chief--and Bosambo was carried to the
beach on a litter.

"Lord," said Bosambo weakly, "now the sight of your simple face will
make me a well man again. For, lord, I have not left my bed since the
coming of the rains, and there is strength neither in my hands and
feet."

"Poor old bird," said Bones sympathetically, "you've been sittin' in a
draught."

"This I tell you, Tibbetti," Bosambo went on, as yet uncertain of his
ruler's attitude, since Bones must need, at t