as
in answer to his. It was not particularly long, nor worded with any
pretence at style, but it was kind, almost affectionate; dwelling on all
the good times they had had together, and reminding him that he must
visit them at their own farm when he had got through the more exciting
part of his travels. Her people would be so glad to see him--and so
forth. And Dick felt as if he were treading on air. Then he read his
father's communication, and his heart smote him for not having taken it
first. Sir Anson had arrived safe and sound at home again, and was all
right. He referred to the rumoured coming troubles in South Africa, and
hoped that if he, Dick, came in for any part of them, he would avoid
attempting foolhardy feats, or running unnecessary risks, if only
because he had an old fool of a father who hadn't yet done with him--and
so on. Then there was a lot of home news, and warm remembrances to
Harley Greenoak, so that by the time he had done, Dick felt just as soft
over this letter as he had felt over the other; and, strange to say,
considering his time of life, wondered if he was worth any one taking
the bother of thinking about at all.

The bustle outside aroused him to the outer world; for orders had been
issued to strike camp immediately, and begin the march to the Kangala,
some five and twenty miles distant. But before the start was made the
express-riders got their glass of grog apiece--indeed we dare not swear
they did not get two.

"By Jove, Greenoak!" said Dick, as they were hurriedly rolling up their
traps. "I would like to have a run across country with these
express-riders one of these days. It must be thunderingly exciting."

"Would you? Well, it's likely to be, just soon, if all these accounts
hold bottom, and I'm more than inclined to think they do. The
Commandant is an old friend of mine, and there's no more cool-headed,
intrepid man on the whole continent of Africa. If he's on the look-out,
well then it's time other people were. But you'd better leave
express-riding alone. Your dad confided you to my charge, remember."

Dick did remember, with his father's solicitous and affectionate letter
fresh in his pocket. And yet--and yet--there was at the bottom of his
mind a half-fledged lurking determination that he would take his turn at
express-riding--if he saw the chance. Two men--or three--darting across
a hostile country, bearing with them momentous possibilities--could any
situat