an Englishman
by the name of Trent, with a view to buying land from a native King,
or obtaining the concession to work the valuable gold-mines of that
country. The expedition seems to have been successful, but Trent
returned alone and reported that his companion had been attacked by
bush-fever on the way back and had died in a few hours.

"I regret very much having to send you such sad and scanty news in
return for your handsome donation to our funds. I have made every
inquiry, but cannot trace any personal effects or letter. Mr. Grey, I
find, was known out here altogether by the nickname of Monty.

"I deeply regret the pain which this letter will doubtless cause you, and
trusting that you may seek and receive consolation where alone it may be
found,

"I am,

"Yours most sincerely,

"Chas. ADDISON."

Ernestine read the letter carefully through, and instead of handing it
back to Davenant, put it into her pocket when she rose up. "Cecil," she
said, "I want you to leave me at once! You may come back to-morrow at
the same time. I am going to think this out quietly."

He took up his hat. "There is one thing more, Ernestine," he said
slowly. "Enclosed in the letter from the missionary at Attra was another
and a shorter note, which, in accordance with his request, I burnt as
soon as I read it. I believe the man was honest when he told me that
for hours he had hesitated whether to send me those few lines or not.
Eventually he decided to do so, but he appealed to my honour to destroy
the note as soon as I had read it."

"Well!"

"He thought it his duty to let me know that there had been rumours as
to how your father met his death. Trent, it seems, had the reputation of
being a reckless and daring man, and, according to some agreement which
they had, he profited enormously by your father's death. There seems to
have been no really definite ground for the rumour except that the body
was not found where Trent said that he had died. Apart from that,
life is held cheap out there, and although your father was in delicate
health, his death under such conditions could not fail to be suspicious.
I hope I haven't said too much. I've tried to put it to you exactly as
it was put to me!"

"Thank you," Ernestine said, "I think I understand."

CHAPTER XVIII

Dinner at the Lodge that night was not a very lively affair. Trent had
great matters in his brain and was not in the least disposed to make
conversation for the sa