"
Jack rose and threw away the end of his cigarette. It was quite
late, and across the river the gleam of the moonlight on fixed
bayonets told that only the sentries were astir.
"And what about the small-pox?" pursued Oscard, more with the desire
to learn than to amend.
"Don't think I shall say anything about that. The man wants careful
handling."
"You will have to tell him that we have got it under."
"Yes, I'll do that. Good-night, old fellow; I shall be off by
daylight."
By seven o'clock the next morning the canoe was ready, with its
swarthy rowers in their places. The two Englishmen breakfasted
together, and then walked down to the landing-stage side by side.
It was raining steadily, and the atmosphere had that singular
feeling of total relaxation and limpness which is only to be felt in
the rain-ridden districts of Central Africa.
"Take care of yourself," said Oscard gruffly as Jack stepped into
the canoe.
"All right."
"And bring back Durnovo with you."
Jack Meredith looked up with a vague smile.
"That man," he said lightly, "is going to the Plateau if I have to
drag him there by the scruff of the neck."
And he believed that he was thinking of the expedition only.
CHAPTER XVI. WAR
Who, when they slash and cut to pieces,
Do so with civilest addresses.
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