"`From there they proceeded to the camp of two prospectors named Skelsey and Spence. The last-named was away, but Skelsey had got wind of their coming and had promptly put his camp into a position of defence--and prepared to give them a warm reception. When they arrived he showed them his magazine rifle and revolver, and called out to the induna in command that he was going to shoot until he hadn't a cartridge left, if they advanced a step nearer. They did not appear to relish the prospect, and drew off, uttering threats. Thus this brave fellow saved the lives of his four scared and cowering Mashona servants, who, however, showed their appreciation by deserting next day. "`Blachland, it is reported, is out of favour with Lo Bengula, who recently ordered him out of his country for some reason or other, while he was on a trading trip at Bulawayo.'" Then followed some more comments on the insecurity of life and property at the mercy of savage neighbours, and the necessity for prompt and decided action, and the paragraph ended. "I suppose there's no doubt about it being Hilary?" said Percival, when the reader had stopped. "Blachland isn't such a common name, and he did go out there as a trader or something. By Jove, wouldn't I like to be with him!" Both his seniors smiled. They were thinking his wish might soon be realised. "Down with fever, poor chap!" said Sir Luke. "But that up-country fever isn't fatal, I've heard, not if men take proper care of themselves. He ought to have a run home though. The voyage would soon set him on his feet again." "Rather!" echoed Percival, enthusiastically. "It would be grand to see the dear old chap again." "Well, perhaps we may, Percy, perhaps we may," rejoined his uncle, rather excitedly. "How would you like to go over and fetch him?" "Me? By George! I'd like it better than anything else in the world. But--suppose he wouldn't come?" "Of course he'd come. Why shouldn't he come?" testily answered Sir Luke, to whom this afterthought was not a pleasant one. And the rest of the time was spent in discussing this news from a far-away land. "Strange, isn't it?" said Sir Luke, thereafter, Percival having gone out of the room. "Just as we were talking over Hilary, and here this bit of news comes right in upon us from outside. If Percy hadn't brought back that paper we might never have heard it." "Looks like an omen, doesn't it, Luke?" laughed the Canon. "Looks as if he were to be instrumental in bringing Hilary back." "I hope to Heaven he may. I say, Dick, old friend, I'm more than glad you turned in here to-day, in time to make me put that abominable draft in the fire." "Will you walk back with me a little way, Percy?" said the Canon as he was taking his leave, having refused Sir Luke's offer to send him back on wheels. "Why rather. Wait, I'll just get my bike. I can wheel it along, and ride it back."