So I leave the matter of risks to Him." "Yes, Mr.Somers," I replied rather solemnly.

"You may find adventure and romance, there are plenty of both in Africa.

Or you may find a nameless grave in some fever-haunted swamp.

Well, you have chosen, and I like your spirit." Still I was so little satisfied about this business, that a week or so before we sailed, after much consideration, I took it upon myself to write a letter to Sir Alexander Somers, in which I set forth the whole matter as clearly as I could, not blinking the dangerous nature of our undertaking.

In conclusion, I asked him whether he thought it wise to allow his only son to accompany such an expedition, mainly because of a not very serious quarrel with himself.
As no answer came to this letter I went on with our preparations.
There was money in plenty, since the re-sale of "O.