It is a passport from the President of the Congo State-- your king--authorizing Mr.Hume and party to proceed with his servants by land or water anywhere within the State for purposes of exploration." The officers examined the document with sour faces, and one of them made an observation in a low tone.
"Precisely," said the other.

"This document," he remarked, turning to Mr.Hume, "is not in order.

It has not been visaed by the officers at the sub-stations." "But it was initialed by your superior at the coast." "It must go back to the sub-stations for endorsement." Mr.Hume put a restraint on his temper.

"And how long will that take ?" "Who knows?
Perhaps a month." "And in the mean time ?" "In the mean time, m'sieur, you will remain our guests." "Is there no other way ?" "Monsieur must surrender himself to the unpleasant delay.

There is no other way." "Unless--but m'sieur would not perhaps face the expense." "Explain, gentlemen." "There is a special transport for State business, but to call upon the service for other than State purpose there would be a charge of ten pounds per day." "I see." Mr.Hume saw that these gentlemen wished to make money out of him.