further expenses that may be incurred to be borne in the same proportion
as the original expense of fitting out the expedition, namely,
two-fifths to be paid by Guy Cravener Oscard, two-fifths by John
Meredith, one-fifth by Victor Durnovo.

"The sum of fifty pounds per month to be paid to Victor Durnovo,
wherewith he may pay the thirty special men taken from his estate and
headquarters at Msala to cultivate the Simiacine, and such corn and
vegetables as may be required for the sustenance of the expedition;
these men to act as porters until the plateau be reached.

"The opinion of two of the three leaders against one to be accepted
unconditionally in all questions where controversy may arise. In case of
death each of us undertakes hereby to hand over to the executors of the
dead partner or partners such moneys as shall belong to him or them."

At this juncture there was a little pause while Guy Oscard lighted a
second match.

"And," continued Jack, "we hereby undertake severally, on oath, to hold
the whereabouts of the Simiacine a strict secret, which secret may
not be revealed by any one of us to whomsoever it may be without the
sanction, in writing, of the other two partners."

"There," concluded Jack Meredith, "I am rather pleased with that
literary production: it is forcible and yet devoid of violence. I feel
that in me the commerce of the century has lost an ornament. Moreover, I
am ready to swear to the terms of the agreement."

There was a little pause. Guy Oscard took his pipe from his mouth, and
while he knocked the ashes out against the leg of his chair he mumbled,
"I swear to hold that agreement."

Victor Durnovo took off his hat with a sweep and a flourish, and,
raising his bared brow to the stars, he said, "I swear to hold to that
agreement. If I fail, may God strike me dead!"

CHAPTER XIV. PANIC-STRICKEN

Is this reason? Is this humanity? Alas! it is man.

The next morning Jack Meredith was awakened by his servant Joseph before
it was fully light. It would appear as if Joseph had taken no means of
awakening him, for Meredith awoke quite quietly to find Joseph standing
by his bed.

"Holloa!" exclaimed the master, fully awake at once, as townsmen are.

Joseph stood at attention by the bedside.

"Woke you before yer time, sir," he said. "There's something wrong among
these 'ere darkie fellers, sir."

"Wrong! what do you mean?"

Meredith was already lacing his shoes.

"Not r