The stranger nodded approval as he started to eat.

"A simple meal, my accomplished friend," he said to Lewis, "but I know
the mouths of the gods are watering."

When nothing was left of the food, the stranger, through Lewis, ordered
the table cleared, then he turned to his guest.

"You have already had occasion to see how useful you would be to me," he
said. "I propose that you seek employment no further. Join me not as
cook, but as interpreter, companion, friend in very present trouble. I
will pay you a living wage."

Lewis's eyes lighted up. What wage should he demand for accompanying
this strange man, who drew him as Lewis himself drew shy, wild creatures
to his knee? No wage. No wage but service. "I will go with you," he
said.

"Good!" said the stranger. "Now--where shall we go?"

"Where shall we go?" repeated Lewis, puzzled.

"Yes. Where shall we go?"

"That is for you to say," said Lewis, gravely, fearing a joke.

"Not at all," said the stranger. "To me it is a matter of complete
indifference. Of all the spots on the face of the earth, this is the
last; no game, no water, no scenery, no women, no food. And having seen
the last spot on earth, direction no longer interests me. What would