n atmosphere of perpetual warfare for the next two years."

"I can, if need be," answered that determined young woman. "But I admit
that it would be trying for you, if you stay here."

"That's just the point, Barbara. I must not stay here, I must go away,
the further the better, until you are your own mistress."

"Where to, Alan?"

"To West Africa, I think."

"To West Africa?" repeated Barbara, her voice trembling a little. "After
that treasure, Alan?"

"Yes, Barbara. But first come and have your lunch, then we will talk. I
have got lots to tell and show you."

So they lunched, speaking of indifferent things, for the servant was
there waiting on them. Just as they were finishing their meal Jeekie
entered the room carrying a box and a large envelope addressed to his
master, which he said had been sent by special messenger from the office
in London.

"What's in the box?" asked Alan, looking somewhat nervously at the
envelope, which was addressed in a writing that he knew.

"Don't know for certain, Major," answered Jeekie, "but think Little
Bonsa; think I smell her through wood."

"Well, look and see," replied Alan, while he broke the seal of the
envelope and drew out its contents. They proved to be sundry documents
sent by the firm's lawyers, among which were a notice of the formal
dissolution of partnership to be approved by him before it appeared
in the _Gazette_, a second notice calling in a mortgage for fifteen
thousand and odd pounds on Yarleys, which as a matter of business had
been taken over by the firm while he was a partner; a cash account
showing a small balance against him, and finally a receipt for him to
sign acknowledging the return of the gold image that was his property.

"You see," said Alan with a sigh, pushing over the papers to Barbara,
who read them carefully one by one.

"I see," she answered presently. "It is war to the knife. Alan, I hate
the idea of it, but perhaps you had better go away. While you are here
they will harass the life out of you."

Meanwhile with the aid of a big jack-knife and the dining-room poker,
Jeekie had prized off the lid of the box. Chancing to look round Barbara
saw him on his knees muttering something in a strange tongue, and bowing
his white head until it touched an object that lay within the box.

"What are you doing, Jeekie?" she asked.

"Make bow to Little Bonsa, Miss Barbara, tell her how glad I am see her
come back from town. She like feel welcome