That was some seven years ago, when I was a man of three-and-twenty.

We swore that we would try to retrieve those fortunes--not for ourselves so much, but for the sake of the family--and came to Africa to do it.

My brother is dead, but I inherit the oath and continue the quest, however hopeless it may be.

And now, perhaps, you will understand why I signed a certain document." "Yes," she said, "I understand now.

It is a strange history.