e been helping young Critchfield,
eh?"

"A little, sir. We haven't much chance of course but we've got some
birds and rabbits and an old weasel we shot. It's heaps of fun."

"Hm!" Mr. Wallace cast a sharp glance at Burt but the boy did not
observe it. They were nearing the factories now and presently Burt
turned into a large fence-enclosed ground where the works stood.

They did not visit the old shops, which Mr. Wallace had seen before, but
went through the new assembling rooms and display building. The explorer
was much interested in all that he saw and proved to have no slight
knowledge of mechanics himself. Mr. St. John saw them from his private
office and came out. By his orders they were treated to the unusual
sight of a complete machine lying on the floor in pieces and inside of
five minutes ready to run.

"Say!" cried the explorer in admiration. "Civilization certainly can
produce wonders, Tom! I suppose that some day there'll be a shop like
this in the heart of Africa! But let's have a squint at this chum of
yours, Burt. I'd like to size him up a bit."

They left the new buildings and went to one of the older ones where
Howard had been given a small room. Without stopping to knock, Burt
threw open the door and ushered in his uncle proudly.

As he did so his look of confident pride vanished. Before him stood
Critch, his freckled face streaked with dust and blood, his long apron
spotted and stained and on the table before him two rabbits
half-skinned.

"Gosh! You look like a murderer!" exclaimed Burt in dismay. "Uncle
George, this is Critch. He ain't always in this shape though."

"Sorry I can't shake hands, Mr. Wallace!" said the red-haired boy. To
his surprise the explorer laughed and stuck out his hand.

"Nonsense, lad! Shake!"

Critch dropped his knife, wiped his hand hastily on his apron and
gripped that of the explorer heartily. "Frank Gates brought in those
tame rabbits of his that died," he explained. "I told him it wasn't
worth while stuffing them this weather, but he had the coin to pay for
'em and pretty near got sore about it, so I took on the job. I'm awful
glad to meet you, sir! I've heard a heap about you, and Burt's lent me
all your books."

"Go right ahead," insisted Mr. Wallace. "I'd like to see how you do it.
Many's the skin I've had to put up in a hurry if I wanted it, but I'd
sooner tramp a hundred miles than handle the beastly things!"

Critch picked up his knife and Mr. Walla