r his ship.

Then Sedgwick drew him out and learned that his steamer was of six
hundred tons, built with all care for a gentleman's yacht; that after
awhile the owner tired of his plaything and sold it to him at a mighty
discount on its first cost; and that he was seeing the world in it, and
trying at the same time to make the craft pay its own expenses. He said
also he had a picked crew and private surgeon, and added: "When I secure
a cargo, if you and the madam will become my guests, I will adopt you
both as long as you please to follow the seas."

Sedgwick declined with thanks, but said: "You want to see the world; how
would you like to make a run to the coast of Africa?"

"I would not object," he replied. "I have had the 'Pallas' overhauled
since we came into port. She is in first-class trim, good for a year if
no unusual misfortune overtakes her. I would as soon go to Africa as any
other place."

The result was the "Pallas" was chartered to carry out the machinery,
some mill-wrights, a couple of engineers, a couple of mill workers, an
assayer, and any miscellaneous freight that Sedgwick might desire to
send.

The ship was hauled into the wharf next day, and the loading of what was
ready was begun. Sedgwick got on board his wagons and trappings from
Sacramento. He ordered also a great quantity of drill steel, picks and
shovels, quicksilver, some giant powder and caps, some blankets,
mattresses, canned fruits, pickles, boots and brogans, and a whole world
of other supplies such as miners use.

In fifteen days the ship was loaded, and the craft put to sea, as was
understood and published, with a mixed cargo for Australia.

Sedgwick had insured the cargo; had paid the owner in advance the
freight, and McGregor estimated that, if prosperous, he could, running
slow to save coal, and stopping a week or ten days in Australia for coal
and fresh supplies, make Port Natal in eighty days.

In the meantime Sedgwick and his wife had made the acquaintance of an
English gentleman and his wife, named Forbes, who a few days previous had
started for England, but who had promised to visit some English friends
in Indianapolis, Indiana, until Sedgwick and Grace should overtake them,
that they might sail on the same ship from New York.

The day after the "Pallas" sailed, Sedgwick and his bride took the
overland train for the East.

CHAPTER XXII.

A LOST TRAIL DISCOVERED.

They reached Indianapolis in due time; stop