Dick could have shouted with merriment as the two strangers whom he had
rescued after their upset in the surf came up the steep steps of
Government House to greet him, and still more was his merriment roused
as the stout little man came forward to shake him by the hand. For this
rotund and jolly-looking individual was dressed in immaculate white,
with an enormously broad red cummerbund about his middle, making his
vast girth even more noticeable. His round, clean-shaven face beamed
with friendly purpose, while there was about him the air of a leader.
He struggled to appear dignified. He held his head high, and showed no
sign of feeling abashed, or ashamed at the memory of his conduct aboard
the boat.
"Ah, ah!" he gasped, for the climb had taken his breath away. "Bud id
is hod for walking, Meinheer Dick, and zese steps zey are sdeep. I
greed you brave Englishman as one brave man would anozer. I render
zanks for your aid. I am proud to shake ze hand of mine comrade who
came into ze wild sea to give me ze help."
"Goodness!" thought Dick, "he speaks as if he had actually been
attempting to save his friend, and had not really been the means of
almost drowning him."
He glanced furtively at the second stranger, as the fat man grasped his
hand and pumped it up and down, while at the same time he vainly
endeavoured to mop his streaming forehead. But Dick could read nothing
in the face of Mr Pepson. Perhaps the keen sunken eyes twinkled ever
so little. Perhaps that twitch of the thin lips was a smile suppressed.
Beyond that there was nothing. Mr Pepson gazed at his rescuer with
evident interest, and seemed barely to notice the presence of his
companion. At length, however, he moved forward a step and addressed
himself quietly to Dick.
"Let me introduce our friend," he said, with a quaint little bow,
removing his topee as he did so. "This is Meinheer Van Somering, of
Elmina."
"Dutch by birdh and a Dutchman to ze backbone, Meinheer," exclaimed the
stout man, as he released Dick's hand. "I am one of ze residents of
Elmina, which was in ze hands of mine coundry till ladely, you
undersdand. Id is a spod to visid. Ah! zere you will find comford.
But I have nod zanked you."
"Indeed you have. You have said enough. I did nothing to speak of,"
exclaimed Dick, hastily. "How are you? None the worse for your
adventure?"
"None, we thank you," answered Mr Pepson, interrupting the voluble
Dutchman as he was in the act of launching forth into a speech. "We
grieve to hear how badly you have fared, and we hope that you are now on
the mend. You do not like thanks. I see that plainly. Then I will say
very little. I owe you my life, Mr Stapleton, and I and all consider
your action to have been an extremely plucky one. Now, may we sit down?
It is hot, as Meinheer says. And these steps are steep."
"Sdeep! Mein word! In Elmina zere are none like dese. Here, in Cape
Coast Castle, everyzing is sdeep. You climb or you run downhill. Zere
is no level. Id is derrible!"
The fat little Dutchman threw his hands into the air with a comical
expression of disgust, and then flung himself back into a basket chair,
causing it to creak and groan and bend to one side, till Dick thought it
would certainly collapse.
Mr Pepson smiled. "Our friend does not think greatly of this English
possession of ours," he said, "and there I agree with him, for Elmina is
by contrast a charming spot. You have been there, Mr Stapleton--Dick I
think they all call you?"
"No, I have never been to Elmina," Dick was bound to admit.
"Ah, well, it lies some sixteen miles to the west, as you will know, and
the Dutch held it for many years--in fact, till recently, when England
bought the place. It is beautiful in many ways. There is little fever.
The spot is drained and the bush cut back into wide clearings."
"Ah, yes, Meinheer, and led me add, zere is a harbour. Look zere!"
The little Dutchman danced to his feet and tiptoed to the edge of the
steep steps by which he had so recently ascended. Then he pointed a
condemning finger at the white sandy beach, and at the thundering surf
which crashed upon it.
"See id! Ze cruel waves, which so nearly robbed me of a dear, dear
friend, for whose life I struggled till Meinheer Dick plunged do ze
rescue. Zere is none of zat at Elmina. We Dutchmen made a harbour
years ago. You can land at Elmina as you mighd in Holland. There is
nod even a--ah, whad do you call him--ah, I have him, yes, a ribble,
zere is nod even zat, Meinheer."
The comical little fellow threw out his chest, as if that were necessary
considering its huge dimensions, and patted it gracefully, while he
looked round upon his listeners in turn as if seeking for some words of
praise and commendation.
"It is true enough," admitted Mr Pepson, and again Dick thought he
detected a half-suppressed smile. "The country to which our friend
belongs sent excellent colonists to Elmina. They have a harbour, and
why we have not one here passes belief. But there. Why let us compare
the two places and their governments? It is sufficient to say that
Elmina has advanced as the years have passed, while this possession,
which has been in our hands for more than two hundred years, has receded
if anything. A cargo of cement and two months' work would have made a
harbour. An engineer with limited skill and knowledge could have
erected a breakwater which would have enabled small boats to lie snug
and secure, while there would have been no need for surf-boats. As to
the bush. They call this `the white man's grave.' And so it is. But
the health of the town could be vastly improved if proper efforts were
made. The bush could be cleared and the place drained."
He paused and looked out to sea, while Dick, as he watched the surf and
thought over what had been said, could not help feeling that had the
measures just mentioned been carried out, his father might still be
living, and many another Englishman with him. Indeed, there is little
doubt that at the time and until this period Cape Coast Castle and its
neighbourhood had been sadly neglected. No English colony had advanced
less, and none was so unhealthy, though a little effort would easily
have improved matters.
"You are lately from home?" asked Mr Pepson, suddenly, turning to Dick.
"Four months ago. I came to help my father, who had had a store here
for many years. He died a week before you landed."
"Before you aided us in our efforts to reach the land, I think," was the
smiling rejoinder. "I knew your father slightly, and I sympathise with
you in your loss. Do you propose to remain in these parts?"
The question was asked so quietly that Dick could not imagine that Mr
Pepson had the smallest interest in the answer. And yet, had he watched
this stranger, he would have seen a keen glance of the eye, a movement
of the hand which denoted eagerness.
"I shall sail for England as soon as my arm is strong enough. I have
been promised help in getting a place aboard one of the ships. I shall
work my way home, and then seek for employment. I have been rather
unlucky."
"You were robbed, we hear. But you still have some property left, and
perhaps you might find work here. What would you say to a trip
up-country?"
Mr Pepson leaned back and surveyed our hero. He drew a cigar from his
pocket, bit the end off, and applied a match. And all the while his
eyes were on the young fellow who had saved his life. As for Meinheer
Van Somering, his cheeks were puffed out with suppressed excitement. He
leaned forward till his chair looked as if it would capsize, and he
devoured the figure seated before him with eyes which were almost hidden
behind the wreathes of fat which clothed his cheeks.
"Mind," said Mr Pepson, calmly, "a trip such as I suggest would not be
a holiday. There are dangers other than connected with fever. There
are natives. Have you heard of King Koffee's hosts of warriors?"
Dick had heard a great deal, and acknowledged the fact.
"Every one seems to think that there will be trouble with them before
very long," he said. "The Fantis, the people on this side of the Pra,
go in terror of their lives. Yes, I know that there is danger
up-country, but then, Mr Pepson, it is not so great as to keep an
Englishman away."
"Nor one of my gread coundry, Meinheer!"
"Quite right! Quite so, Van Somering. Now listen, Mr Dick. We--that
is, Meinheer and myself--are about to march into the interior, to a spot
some miles north and east of the Pra. We are bent on gold-mining, and
we have bought a concession from this King Koffee. Meinheer has had his
agents there for the past six months--a Dutchman and natives--and there
are shafts sunk, a stockade erected, and gold is being obtained. Now I
have come into the venture. The agent is about to retire, and we desire
to see our concession, and to place an agent in charge who can be relied
upon. The post is a dangerous one. It is also one of responsibility,
for many ounces of gold pass through the hands of the man who is in
charge. We have been seeking for a successor, and we believe we have
found him. You are the young man upon whom our choice has fallen."
Dick could have fallen from his chair, so great was his astonishment.
"But--but--I am only eighteen," he stammered. "And I don't know
anything about mining."
"We want a reliable and straightforward man," said Mr Pepson, quietly,
"and we believe you to be that. Your age does not come into the
question. In England you might be just leaving for college, or have
held a commission in the service for a year. You would hardly be deemed
fitted for a post of great responsibility. Out here it is different.
You have pluck and tenacity. Every one in the place says that. You
speak a little of the Fanti language, and you have some knowledge of the
country and the natives. As to the mining, no knowledge is required.
The natives sink the shafts and get the gold. You take charge of it,
and, at stated periods, send it down to the coast. Your greatest task
will be to see that all is secure. To make sure that the Ashantees are
friendly, and in the event of probable trouble, to secrete the gold and
beat a retreat. In other words, we want a sensible individual, with
some command over the natives, and with enough pluck to enable him to
live almost alone in the forests."
The offer was a tempting one. Dick saw employment before him, and a
life which he judged would suit him well. Then, too, longer residence
in the country would enable him to safeguard his interests on the coast,
and perhaps to sell or let the property which was all that he possessed.
"As to the pay," said Mr Pepson, "that will be liberal, far better,
indeed, than an official of your years obtains in these parts. We have
a valuable concession, and we can afford to pay the right man. Then,
too, there is a question of the store. You have one, we learn. We are
prepared to enter into an agreement to take a share of it from you, or
we will take all, paying for the house and the goodwill of the business.
In addition, since we shall want a residence, we are prepared to rent
or buy the residence in which your father lived."
Could he believe his ears? Could it be that he was listening to a
proposition which would relieve him of all his difficulties? Dick felt
stunned. The roar of the surf, which had troubled him ever since his
adventure, threatened to deafen him. He felt dizzy, and sat back in his
chair, grasping the arms for support. Meanwhile, Mr Pepson watched him
calmly, Meinheer Van Somering beaming upon him as though he alone were
the author of all these suggestions, and as if Dick were indebted to him
only.
"I can see a brave man wid half one eye," he gasped, as he fanned his
hot cheeks. "Meinheer is brave. He will fighd for us. He is ze man we
look for."
"Then I accept," exclaimed Dick, eagerly. "I feel that I am too young
for the task, or rather, that I should be at home in England. Out here
it is different. I can speak a little of the language, and, if it is
any advantage, I can shoot straight. I will go to this concession, and
will do my best in your interests. As to the property, your suggestions
take my breath away."
"While we are only too glad to have the opportunity of thus helping a
friend. Now, Mr Dick, we shall leave you. It is hot, and you are
tired. I will call to-morrow, and will then make a definite offer for
the business, or a share of it. Meanwhile I will send some one to you
who can give you independent advice as to its value. For business is
business, my lad, and it is necessary that your interests should be
protected. Now, Meinheer, we will go. It is downhill to the hotel, and
therefore easy walking."
He rose as Dick sprang to his feet, and shook our hero warmly by the
hand. Meinheer Van Somering repeated the process, and having backed to
the edge of the stairs, swept his topee from his head and treated Dick
to an elaborate bow. "We shall meed again, Meinheer Dick," he called
out. "Till zen a Dutchman is proud do call himself your gread friend.
Mein word! bud id has been a pleasure to meed you."
He swept his topee on to his head again, mopped the perspiration from
his face, and descended slowly, leaving Dick with his head in a whirl,
and feeling half inclined to laugh at the memory of this Dutchman's
comical figure, his absurd attempts to be dignified, and his vast stock
of self-assurance; and more than half disposed to shed tears of joy and
relief at the words of Mr Pepson, at the offer which had been made to
him, and at the prospect for the future. Then he sat down and did what
many another youngster has done, who has been hurt and has been sick for
a time. He fainted from sheer weakness and inability to withstand so
much excitement.
"And that is all the thanks I get for allowing them to come," exclaimed
the trim-bearded doctor, as he glared at Dick some minutes later. "It's
all the work of that fat little Dutchman, of that I'm sure. He'd talk
till any one was weary. Well, he shall not come again. You are to be a
prisoner here, my boy, till you show signs that you are really mending.
Fainted! Just fancy!"
He went off with a sniff and a smile, leaving Dick quite well again, but
ready now to inflict the direst punishment upon himself for displaying
such weakness.
"I could kick myself!" he exclaimed in disgust. "Here am I, in clover,
as the doctor says, but till half an hour ago with starvation before me.
I was on my beam ends, and did not know where to look for work or help.
And here I am, with a post assured, and every prospect of earning a
decent living. And the news upsets me. I'm a donk ey! A fine thing if
Mr Pepson had seen me. A nice thing for him to know that his future
manager might faint like a girl at the first critical moment. Pah! I
wish some one would kick me!"
There was no one at hand to comply with his invitation, and presently
the memory of his weakness wore off and Dick fell asleep. A few days
later he was far stronger, and when three weeks had passed he was
himself again, his arm was out of the splints, and carried in a sling,
while, when the doctor or Mr Pepson were not about, he amused himself
with using the hand and fingers.
"As well get accustomed to 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, in which the gold will be packed. As to
conveyances, there is a large launch for our own use, and she will tow a
couple of narrow native craft, and more if necessary. Once we have
settled there, she will return with us, and will make periodical trips
from the mines as soon as you have taken charge. She will be close to
your hand, and if you meet with trouble you will know that there is a
means of flight, and a way by which you can reach the coast. Now let us
see to our personal outfit, for remember, we may be months away, and we
are going into parts which try the best of clothing."
They took their way into the town, for they had been chatting on the
beach, where many of the stores for their expedition had been
accumulated. Then they went by the road which led to the house which
Dick's father had erected, and which had now passed into the keeping of
the two partners. There they found a native tailor, with his wares
already spread out on the verandah.
"He is a humble and patient individual," said Mr Pepson, with a smile,
"and he will have carried out my orders to the letter. These natives
cannot always cut garments, and for bush work, as for any other, it is
essential that one's clothes should fit easily and well, for otherwise
in this hot climate they are apt to chafe. That being the case, I have
for years made it a practice to get a stock of clothes when in England,
and then allow a native to copy. You understand, he picks a suit to
pieces, and makes use of the bits as patterns. He has a couple of suits
here for us both. Yours is a copy of one which we found in your room.
Come along. Give it a trial."
This slender, cadaverous-looking Englishman from Sierra Leone seemed to
be able to think of everything. Time and again Dick had cause to wonder
at his thoughtfulness, his care for others, and particularly for our
hero; and long ago he had ceased to do more than murmur his thanks, for
Mr Pepson would arrest him at once with a warning finger and a friendly
smile.
"What!" he would exclaim, "am I not to be allowed to do something for
the comfort of one who saved my life, and that, too, of our stout
friend, Meinheer Van Somering? The world is indeed an ungrateful place
if one is to receive such an act with only passing thanks, to reward it
with a nod and a few polite words, and then in the rush which surrounds
us to forget the deed and the one who gallantly performed it. Surely
there is as much pleasure in remembering a brave act and a good friend
as in anything. I hold that a gentleman never forgets his debts of
gratitude, for they are indeed debts of honour, which can never be
settled too completely."
And Dick would become silent, though now and again he would lamely
protest that he had done nothing at all.
"That is your modesty, Dick," would be the answer. "I may say the same.
I have done nothing more than any business man would do. You are to be
my agent. I have a big stake in these mines, and I wish all to go well.
Consequently, to avoid future loss, I equip my agent with the best and
see to his welfare."
There was no arguing with such a man. He would smile that dry smile of
his and would turn away. But Dick did not forget. If Mr Pepson was
grateful, so also was he, for he was indeed in clover. He saw work
before him, hard work, too; for he had been given to understand that the
post of agent would be no sinecure. Then he was now a partner with Mr
Pepson and the Dutchman in the store which his father had had for so
many years. It had reopened already with a flourish. A manager had
been appointed, and there were prospects of reviving the business, so
that Dick might look forward to an income. Then he had been credited
with a good sum, which Mr Pepson had insisted was the value of the
partnership, while a further sum was to be paid every year in the way of
rent for the residence. And now, as if that were not enough, here was a
complete outfit. Dick donned the clothes which the native had prepared,
and stepped into the centre of the verandah for Mr Pepson's approval.
"You will do well," said the latter, when he had surveyed him
critically. "The stuff is some which I imported specially. It is a
dark cloth, as you observe, and, while being thin and light, it is
strong, and to a certain extent waterproof. It will stand the thorns in
the jungle, and better perhaps, should we meet with trouble, you will
find that it does not make the wearer conspicuous. There is a green
shade in it, and that will be difficult to detect against the foliage.
Now the hat. That will do, too. It is made of the same material, and
is just the thing for the jungle. A topee would be in the way, and
besides, the sun does not penetrate very much, and, indeed, is often not
to be seen. You will carry a topee in your kit for open spaces."
Three days later all was in readiness, and Dick found himself dressed in
preparation for an early start. As he looked in his glass that morning,
an hour before the sun rose above the steaming jungle and bush, he saw
there a young fellow of medium height, dressed in a loose-fitting
knickerbocker suit, with wide-awake hat to match. A leather belt was
about his waist, and slung to it was a revolver, while on the other hip
he carried a short sword, with a keen cutting edge on one side, the
reverse being fashioned like a saw, for they would have dense jungle to
pass through, and such an implement was necessary. Beneath the loose
coat he wore a light flannel shirt and turn-down collar, open at the
neck. A pair of gaiters covered his calves, while his feet were clad in
strong shooting boots. Altogether he looked a likely young fellow, and
his smooth features and firm chin, disclosing a creditable amount of
determination and obvious courage for one so young, set off his general
appearance and led one to believe that the mining partners had not made
such a bad choice after all.
"It's we who have made the mistake," said the Governor that morning to
his secretary, as he bade farewell to the expedition. "We knew the lad
was in difficulties and wanted a job, but we thought him too young. We
let him kick his heels till he was miserable. We looked on while he was
robbed and ruined, and we should have helped him to slip from the
country had it not been for that plucky dash of his. I tell you, there
are bad times coming. I could have found him useful as a police
officer. We want a likely fellow, who can speak this Fanti tongue, to
keep an eye open for the doings of the Elmina natives. This fellow
would have done well. But there! we've lost him. It's always the way
with those in authority. We hesitate. We know that our choice must be
sanctioned by some man in office away at home, a man, mind you, who has
never seen the object of our choice. That's red tape. It kills
initiative. It has lost us a good fellow, and these men, Pepson and the
Dutchman, have been too smart for us. They have jumped at him, and
they've a real good fellow."
There was quite a commotion in Cape Coast Castle that morning. Many
turned out to see the last of the expedition, and there was a cheer as
the party embarked on a surf-boat, and put out to the steam launch lying
just off the beach.
"Good luck! and watch the Ashantees," shouted one of the Government
officials.
"Bring back plenty of gold," called out another.
"Good-bye and good luck!"
The words of encouragement and a last cheer came to them as they boarded
the launch. There was a sharp order from Mr Pepson, then the engines
revolved, the propeller thrashed the water, and they were off, Dick and
his friend watching the receding figures on the shore, while the
sprightly Van Somering climbed to the highest point of the narrow deck
and there held himself with head erect so that all might view him and
admire.
"A great swell he is, too," laughed Mr Pepson, as he and Dick turned
from the shore. "His appearance alone should mean our security from
attack."
And our hero was fain to agree. For the fat little Dutchman had
exceeded any former attempt. True, he was dressed in the same loose
clothing, made of the selfsame material as worn by his comrades. But
his vanity had added embellishments to it. His shirt was red, a red
which dazzled the eye, while the belt which surrounded his ample waist
was some five inches in width--strong enough, in fact, to bear the
weight of two such Dutchmen, while it carried in front an enormous
revolver and a dagger of like proportions, all of which made it appear
as if Meinheer Van Somering were a man of pugnacious disposition, and
therefore to be avoided.
An hour later, a little while after the sun had risen over the jungle,
the launch glided into the river at Elmina, and came to rest close to
the mole.
"We will see first of all that our stores are here," said Mr Pepson, as
he leaped ashore. "Then we will move on without delay. Come with me,
Dick, and go over the list of our possessions."
Everything had been sent on some few days before from the neighbourhood
of Cape Coast Castle, where they had been landed from the steamer, and
thanks to the careful foresight of Mr Pepson, Dick found that three
dugouts, of large proportions, lay close to the mole, roped firmly
together, and in these were disposed the belongings of the expedition.
In the bows of one was the brass gun, while there were sniders in all
three and an ample supply of ammunition. In addition, half a dozen
Fanti warriors sat on the thwarts waiting for the forward move.
"Hook on the launch," said Mr Pepson. "Now, all aboard. Send her
ahead, Johnnie."
Johnnie was the native boy who had been trained to man the engines of
the launch, and he rejoiced in the name given. At the word he opened
the steam throttle till the merest jet was fed to the cylinders, and
gently drew ahead of the boats, slowly stretching out the hawser
connecting them till it was taut. Then again there was a commotion at
the end of the launch. The water was thrashed into foam, the ropes
creaked and stretched, and finally the launch was under way, the three
boats following gaily in the wake of the plucky steamer. Mr Pepson was
at the wheel, and promptly put his helm over till they were heading for
the very centre of the river.
"All clear here," he said, with a smile. "Now we make out for the sea,
for this is not the river Pra. It lies a few miles to the west. Once
there we shall not always have a wide, open stretch to steer through,
particularly when we have ascended a few miles. Then, indeed, the fun
will commence, for there are sure to be sandbanks and shallows, while I
believe that crocodiles abound. In any case the river will narrow, and
before very long the trees will come closer together and will shelter us
from the sun. Send her full steam ahead, Johnnie."
By now they were feeling the swell at the mouth of the harbour of
Elmina, and for some minutes all clung to the sides, for the light craft
were tossed by the enormous surf running outside. When that was safely
passed the steam launch turned to the west, and they went off along the
coast, just as they had done that morning, watching the white sandy
beach as they swept past it, the interminable forests beyond, and the
blue haze hanging over the hills and mountains in the distance. Two
hours later they reached the mouth of the river, and having approached
it carefully, for mud banks lay off it in many directions, they shot
into an open channel, and soon found themselves ascending the Pra, a
broad river, there known as the Bustum.
"Higher up it is called the Pra," explained Mr Pepson, "until it
bifurcates. The branch flowing from the east is then called the Prahsu,
while the one from the west is known as the river Offwin. We do not
ascend either of these. Our route takes us by a narrow tributary
flowing into the Pra, and by that means we reach our destination. Now
we can go full ahead."
Once more the throttle was opened to its full extent, and with the three
boats in tow the launch steamed up into the heart of the country, with
every prospect of covering many miles ere the darkness came and caused
her to come to a stop.