left his thoughts, "you have come out here for pleasure?"

"Not exactly. I came chiefly to make money, partly to dispel some
of the illusions of my youth, and I am getting on very well.
Picture-book illusions they were. The man who drew the pictures had
never seen Africa."

"This is no country for illusions. Things go naked here--damned
naked."

"And only language is adorned?"

Durnovo laughed. He had to be alert to keep up with Jack Meredith--
to understand his speech; and he rather liked the necessity, which
was a change after the tropic indolence in which he had moved.

"Swearing, you mean," he replied. "Hope you don't mind it?"

"Not a bit. Do it myself."

At this moment Joseph, the servant, brought coffee served up in tin
cups.

"First-class dinner," said Durnovo. "The best dinner I have had for
years. Clever chap, your man!"

The last remark was made as much for the servant's edification as
for the master's, and it was accompanied by an inviting smile
directed towards Joseph. Of this the man took no notice whatever.
He came from a world where masters and masters' guests know their