Here he was joined, in way of company, by a tall rugged fellow, wearing tweeds that looked totally out of place in that part of the country. As Carl looked up, the newcomer nodded pleasantly, remarking as he did so, “Beastly weather, this.” Carl, glad to get in conversation, replied to this greeting with a pleasant, “Fine for ducks.” The other, settling his bulky figure into the seat opposite Carl, proceeded to fill and light his pipe, saying--“Not supposed to, you know, but I’ve never been stopped yet--Smoke?” offering his tobacco pouch. “Yes thanks, I will,” and Carl, too, was soon wreathed in a cloud of pipe smoke. They sat silently for a time, each studying the other, when Carl, anxious to renew the conversation, said “From your remarks, I take it you have traveled this road before.” “Many a time. Guess I know every inch of it and each different shriek in the wheels. By the way, name is Rogers--trader and so on.” “Mine’s Lohman, engineer from New York.” “Glad to know you, Lohman,” from the other, who, it was apparent, did not believe much in the formalities. Of this Carl was glad. Here was a man he could talk to without having to watch his step every inch of the way. The other continued, “You won’t mind my rudeness, I hope--but would you mind my asking what you are doing here?” “Not at all,” replied Carl; “and I’ll answer you too. I’m trying to get to Timbuktoo in a hurry. And I’m sorry to say that ‘hurry’ seems to be the last thing thought of here.” “You have a long way to go, friend.” Rogers paused for a moment, then continued with “How are you going on from Segu Sikoro?” “I intended to go by horse if possible, but for the last few hours I have been worrying as to how I can get the horses.” “Well you would have good cause for worry if you hadn’t met me. But having met me, you need not worry.” To Carl this sounded like bragging, but he felt, from within, that the man was sincere. Without waiting for Carl to say anything, Rogers added “My place is but a few miles from the station, and a servant will be waiting for me with a buckboard. If you will accept my offer, I can fit you up.” “I shall be greatly indebted to you.” “Not at all, friend. My motto is ‘Help others--you may need help some day.’ I’m not asking questions as to what you are in a hurry about and I don’t want you to tell me, either. All I know is you are in a hurry and that’s enough for Rogers.” Carl was no fool, and realizing the offer was made in good faith readily accepted it. In due time they reached the railhead, and as predicted by Rogers, his servant was there, waiting to take him home. He hustled Carl into the wagon and away they went at a lively pace. Rogers, turned to Carl, laughing and remarked “Some speed in Africa, according to where you look for it.” After a half hour’s drive across the grassy plains they swung through a grove of trees, arriving shortly at the great palatial house Rogers called home.