I explained that I was fresh from England, and believed in equal rights for all men, white or coloured.

God forgive me, but I think I said I hoped to see the day when Africa would belong once more to its rightful masters.
He heard me with an impassive face, his grave eyes studying every line of me.

I am bound to add that he made a hearty meal, and drank three cups of strong tea of my brewing.

I gave him a cigar, one of a lot I had got from a Dutch farmer who was experimenting with their manufacture--and all the while I babbled of myself and my opinions.

He must have thought me half-witted, and indeed before long I began to be of the same opinion myself.