Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-11-14
CHAPTER VIII.

yHAT Meredith proposed to DO
IA was to enter into partner
wv ship with Victor Durnovo,
and when the purpose of it
was accomplished to let each man go
his way. A month later Victor Durnovo
was in London. He left behind him
in Africa Jack Meredith, whose ca
pacities for organization were develop
ing very quickly.
There was plenty of work for each
to do. In Africa Meredith had under
taken to get together men and boats,
While Durnov0 went home to Europe
for threefold purpose. First, visit
TO Europe was absolutely necessary
for his health, shattered as 1t was by
too long sojourn in the fever ridden
river beds of the west coast. Second
ly, there were rifles, ammunition and
stores to be purchased and packed in
suitable cases. And, lastly, he was to
find and enlist the third man, 1.-THE
soldierly fellow, full of fight who
knew the natives and the country.
This. indeed, was his first care on
reaching London, and before his eyes
and brain were accustomed to the
roar of the street life he took cab to
Russell square, giving the number af-
fixed to the door of gloomy house
in the least frequented corner of the
stately quadrangle.
rs Mr.. Guy Oscard at homes? he
inquired Of the grave manservant.
He is, SIR" replied the butler, step
ping aside.
Oscard came forward and shook
hands. His manner was not exactly
effusive. The truth was that their ac-
Quaintanceship in Africa had been Of
the slightest, dating from some trivial
services which ,Durnovo had been able
and very eager to render to the sports
man.
I'm all right, thanks" replied Dur
novo. II only landed at Liverpool yes
terday. I'm home on business. I'm
buying rifles and stores"
Guy Oscard's honest face lighted up
at once-the curse of Ishmael was on
him in its full force. He was destined
to be n wanderer on Gods earth, and
all things appertainlng to the wild life
Of the forests We're music in his ears.
Durnoyo was no mean diplomatst.
He had learned to know man within q
white or colored skin The effect of
his words was patent to him.
You remember the simiac.ney he
said abruptly.
Yes"
1--WE found it,
THE deuce vol: have! Sit down."
Durnovo took the chair indicated.
Yes. sir" he said, 1--WE got it. I've
laid my hand on it at last. I've always
been on its track. That has been my
little game all the time. did not tell
you when we met out there, because
was afraid l should never find it
and because l wanted to keep quiet
about it,"
Guy DISCARD was looking out of the
window across to the dull houses and
chimneys that formed his horizon, and
IN his eyes there WAS the longing for
Il vaster horizon, larger life.
Il have got partner" continued
Durnovo, "a good man, Jack Meredith,
son Of Sir John Meredith. You have,
perhaps, met him."
NO" answered Oscard. "but.I have
heard his name, and have met Sir
John, the father once or twice.
HE is out there" went on Durnovo,
getting things together quietly.
have come home to buy rifles, ammuni-
tion and stores"
He paused, watching the eager,
simple face.
I'VE want to know" he said quietly,
'if you will organize and lead the
fighting men,
Guy Discard drew a deep breath.
Then there is to be tighting:"
Yes" said Durnovo; there will be
fighting. We must fight our way there
and we must hold it when we get
there. But SO far as the world is con-
cerned, we are only private eXpe-
dition exploring the source of the
Ogowe.''
'-Ihe Ogowe:" and again Guy Os-
cards eyes lighted up.
Yes. do not mind telling you that
much. To begin with, trust you.
Secondly, no one could get there with
out me to lead the way"