ched the coast and
was straightway put on board ship. Dick and Mr Pepson joined him
there, with Johnnie to act as servant. Of the gallant troops and
bluejackets who took part in the campaign, a large number were stricken
down with fever, and of these a large proportion died.

Never before perhaps had a campaign been conducted where such
difficulties had to be contended with; and when one comes to consider
the distance Kumasi lies from the coast, the extent and depth of the
forests, and the extraordinary nature of the fighting, one is bound to
admit that never before or since have our men showed more courage and
persistence, while our officers and their gallant leader could not have
displayed greater skill and foresight.

Dick returned no more to the white man's grave. His health had been
considerably impaired by his residence there, and, besides, he found
work awaiting him in England. For Mr Pepson was a wealthy man, and had
need of a partner in his business.

"Not a word," he exclaimed when Dick attempted to thank him. "If I
cannot do this for one who has fought my battles so well, I should
indeed be ungrateful. You deserve all that I offer, and I am sure that
you will make an excellent partner."

And this seemed to be the opinion also of Mr Pepson's niece, a very
charming girl some two years Dick's junior.

"Go to Africa again, Dick!" she exclaimed, when he broached the subject.
"That I forbid, because uncle tells me that the climate would kill you.
And he says that he needs you here in his business. Surely that is
reason enough for your remaining."

There was a pretty little smile about the corners of her mouth as she
said the words, and curiously enough, Dick, the stubborn, who had made
up his mind to a thing out in Ashanti and had carried it out, whatever
the danger and difficulty, gave way with the best of grace and with an
answering smile which spoke volumes. Need the reader feel surprise when
he hears that Dick first made his position strong in Mr Pepson's
business, proving without a doubt that he was of the greatest value, and
that then he asked his fair friend a little question?

He has been married for many years now, and rents a fine place an hour's
run from London. But once in each year our hero is wont to run up to
the capital, there to meet a select party of friends, all of whom had
been engaged in that fierce campaign in Ashanti. Familiar faces are
there, and many of the breasts which i