In the year 1898 Sergeant Johnson, the one with the bright red beard,
was sent up country to establish and to remain in charge of the new
out-station of Likonga. Likonga, a little-known spot in Central Africa,
was, and still is, miles away from civilisation. Sergeant Johnson's
command was cut to small dimensions by malaria at headquarters. He had
but a corporal and two men. Likonga in those days consisted of nothing
but a name on the map, and nothing at all in the way of buildings or
anything else to show you when you had got there. The Commandant of
Police had dotted vaguely the imperfect sketch map with his pencil, and
had instructed Sergeant Johnson to go there. The Sergeant had glanced at
the map as it lay on the office table, and had said, "Yes, sir."
"You will take with you Corporal Merton and Privates Hay and Hare. I
cannot spare more."