sed at missing its company, when I found time to
think about it. I was standing at ease in the Base Office then.
Soon I was on my way back again to the station where I had left
my convoy. The boy was mounting guard over dog and gear. Yes,
everything seemed all right. I turned towards the ticket office.
As I waited for our tickets I evolved a sort of rationale of my
consciousness of that presence. He who had accompanied me was
very weak, distinctly convalescent. He could but make himself
felt clinically, so to speak. When at length I was aboard the
train I had opportunity to test my surmises. There were six
sleeping berths in the Jo'burg second class compartment (there
was no third class, worse luck, on that train) wherein I found
myself. On one side slept the dark Theosophist who was to lend me
'The Star of the East' next morning. Under him slept the
Norwegian recruit bound for Potchefstroom. Under him again a
fresh-colored, wizened little Colonist. On my side slept an
Africander recruit for Potchefstroom (God love him! I hope he was
better than his looks and conversation). I was bedded over him.
Above me on the sixth sleeping ledge was only a certain amount of
luggage. So we had arranged, and so my eyes assured me. But I
became firmly conscious that the presence was reclining there.

Next night I was able to travel on third class from Johannesburg
without missing my train's connection. I had the carriage to
myself (not without misgivings, for the guard had cleared a
native out, and other compartments seemed likely to be rather
crowded). I lay down somewhat prayerlessly. The last light seemed
to have not long faded on the white mine-banks. I woke in the
chill of the dawn. The train was nearing Mafeking. The presence I
had been too tired to think much about last night, was assuredly
there on the other side of the carriage. Yet there was only my
bag to be seen on the seat, my bag that I had set there to search
for a towel.

The next night we drew near to Bulawayo. I had a Jew for
traveling companion then. He was to get off about midnight at
Francistown. I dropped off to sleep somehow. I don't know exactly
how the trick was done, I was so excited at nearing my own
country. When I awoke the Jew was gone, and the seat opposite me
was empty, empty save for the presence which reclined there. I
gave it a share of my attention amongst other persons and
matters. I was far too full of plans and anticipations now to
sleep. Ye