"It is useless to try to convince me on that head," he exclaimed. "I
would turn back this instant rather than act in the way you suggest.
You must allow me to follow my original plan. We shall obtain a valid
permit from the Governor. If, contrary to my expectation, he refers the
final decision to the Italian Foreign Department, we shall await cabled
instructions. Our ambassador at Rome can vouch for us. He is an old
friend of mine, and I only regret that I did not obey my first impulse
and write to him before I left London."

Von Kerber asserted that there was some danger of the Somali Arabs
becoming excited If they heard of the expedition. Mr. Fenshawe laughed.

"Arabs!" he cried. "How long has that bee buzzed In your bonnet. The
only lawless tribes In this country are far away in the interior. And
even they are apt to think many times before they offer active
resistance to the passing of a strong and well-intentioned _kafila_.
Besides, my dear fellow, we must purchase some portion of our equipment
here. It is secrecy, not candor, that would endanger our mission.
Believe me, you are suffering from Red Sea spleen. It distorts your
normal vision. You certainly took a different view of the situation
when we determined its main features in London."

Royson was careful not to look at the speakers. Between him and them
was seated Mrs. Haxton, and he knew that she, too, was an attentive
listener. Von Kerber began to explain the reasons which lay behind his
change of opinion, but Stump's voice suddenly recalled Dick to his
duties.

"Stand by the anchor, Mr. Royson," he said, "and see that everything is