No, he was alone, absolutely and utterly alone, a wanderer in wild lands, a sojourner with rough unlettered men and savages.
And now, what should he do?
This place was played out.

There was alluvial gold indeed, but Leonard knew to-day that it was not in the earth, but in the veins of quartz which permeated the mountains, that the real wealth must be sought for, and how could he extract it from the quartz without machinery or capital?
Besides, his Kaffir servants had deserted him, worn out with hard work and fever, and there were no others to be had at this season.

Well, it was only one more disappointment; he must go back to Natal and take his chance.

At the worst he could always earn his living as a transport-rider, and at the best he wearied of this search for wealth which was to build up their family afresh.
Then of a sudden Leonard remembered what he had promised--to go on seeking till he died.

Very good, he would keep the promise--till he died.