working the limb," he said to himself, with a
smile. "I am sure that the expedition is dallying here till I am well,
for that is just like Mr Pepson. He is really grateful, and his
liberality is wonderful. I must get this arm out of the sling as soon
as possible."

Another week, in fact, brought the consent of the doctor, whereupon
active preparations for the trip up-country were commenced. Meanwhile
our hero had learned more of his new friends. Mr Pepson, he found, was
a wealthy trader from Sierra Leone, while Meinheer Van Somering was, as
he had proudly stated, a native of Elmina. Born and bred there, he
spoke the native tongue like his own, and knew the Gold Coast
intimately. It was he who had learned of the goldfield on the Pra, and
unable to purchase the concession himself, he had sent the information
to Mr Pepson. Dick learned to like the Dutchman immensely, to laugh at
his comical appearance, his efforts towards dignity, his mighty ways
with the natives, and his good temper. He was vastly amused at
Meinheer's other side, at his obvious nervousness, and at his boastful
ways and words.

"He is a good friend, and an amusing companion," said Mr Pepson one
day, "and if he has his little faults we must not complain. The truth
is that he is no fighter, Dick. When that is said, we have said
sufficient. If we meet with trouble we may rely upon his seeking for
and finding a secure retreat. We will not count on his help to protect
the expedition. After all, it is only fair that the work should be
divided. I shall command, and you will aid me. Meinheer is chief
interpreter till you have made more acquaintance with the natives, and
he will advise us about the mines and their working. Now let us go into
the question of the expedition. You know the site of the mines?"

Dick had heard that it was somewhere on the river Pra, and said so.

"It is exactly ninety-four miles from here," said Mr Pepson, "and is
surrounded by dense bush. To get to it we ascend the river Pra till we
reach a point on a level with the mines. Then we strike into the
jungle. We shall take with us a few sets of hand winding gear, for at
present the natives lower themselves into the shafts by their own
efforts. The gear we have brought is simple, but it will answer well
and save labour. Then we are taking guns and ammunition, rockets,
grenades, and a small brass cannon. In addition there will be picks and
spades, and iron boxes, i