Providence, it seems--or let us call it Fate--was hovering over that lone African river, where two men, sitting in the stern of a native canoe, took it upon themselves to prearrange their lives.
A month later Victor Durnovo was in London.

He left behind him in Africa Jack Meredith, whose capacities for organisation were developing very quickly.
There was plenty of work for each to do.

In Africa Meredith had undertaken to get together men and boats, while Durnovo went home to Europe for a threefold purpose.

Firstly, a visit to Europe was absolutely necessary for his health, shattered as it was by too long a sojourn in the fever-ridden river beds of the West Coast.

Secondly, there were rifles, ammunition, and stores to be purchased and packed in suitable cases.