re. You think of enlisting, do you? Well, it's a fine
profession, is soldiering, and you are the lad to do well. Perhaps you
might even find your way out here again, for let me tell you something.
That rogue, King Koffee, is stirring his Ashantee tribesmen up for war.
He is itching for a fight, and means to force one. So you might pay us
a visit. By the way, are you really in earnest?"

"About the army, sir?" asked Dick.

"Yes, about enlisting. So many young fellows threaten to take the step,
but fail for want of pluck when the critical moment comes. You see,
there are not so many gentlemen rankers, and whatever others say,
there's no doubt that the life is a rough one, and particularly so to
the son of a gentleman. That's barrack life, of course. Out on active
service it's different, for then officers and men live practically the
same life, and put up with the same hardships."

"I know it's not all a feather bed, sir," replied Dick, respectfully.
"But I'm stranded. I can't be kicking my heels out here in idleness,
and I see few prospects of selling the store and the property. So I
shall take what I can get for the goods now on hand and get a passage to
England. If I can I shall work my way back, for it would be as well to
learn to rough it from the first."

"And perhaps I could help you," was the answer. "Look here, Stapleton,
we're sorry for you. It was very hard luck losing your money in that
way, and if you are really keen on returning home with a view to
entering the army, I'll get you a post aboard a steamer. A word from
the Governor would influence the captain, and as you say, it is better
to rough it now, and get a little practice, before joining the ranks.
There, too, I can do something, I imagine. Come again when you have
thoroughly made up your mind, and I will see what can be done."

Dick had to be satisfied with that, and as he lay there on the sand he
had firmly come to a decision, and resolved to ask for a post aboard the
steamer then lying in the roads, and return in her to England.

"But first I'll see whether there is any one there who wants a store or
a house," he said. "They'll be coming soon. I see the surf-boats are
on the way, and the rope gangway has been lowered."

He watched as some passengers clambered down the gangway, their white
drill clothing showing crisply against the dark background of the ship,
while others, less capable of the somewhat difficult feat of descend