It was a melancholy parting, but there have been many such in the African fever belt.
With one last look Leonard turned and joined his companions.

Then, having taken counsel with them and with the compass, he set his face to the mountain and his heart to the new adventures, hopes, and fears that were beyond it.

The past was done with, it lay buried in yonder grave, but by the mercy of God he was still a man, living beneath the sunlight, and the future stretched away before him.

What would it bring?
He cared little; experience had taught him the futility of anxieties as to the future.

Perchance a grave like those which he had left, perchance wealth, love, and honour.