"Right you are. That is my tipple also when I can get it; but in Africa one has to grow accustomed to moderate their desires even in this indulgence--particularly when on an exploring expedition." "And that was our intention in coming out to Africa." "You'll have your chance, never fear. There is plenty of ground yet left to explore, and lots of big game to bag up country." Clarence looked wistfully and affectionately at his father during the dinner, who returned his glances with tenderness. The abject expression which Mr Raybold had seemed to have worn in the afternoon had now been replaced by an air of placid content and kindliness. Clarence felt greatly relieved, and began to regain hope and confidence. "Are you going to the club tonight, Philip?" he asked. "Yes; I'll look in there about ten o'clock. Shall you be there?" "Yes; I think so," replied the capitalist, quietly. "I have a few calls to make first." "I suppose you don't object to me taking the youngsters, to show them about?" "Well--no. If you consider them old enough, I don't greatly object." There was not much heartiness in Mr Raybold's tones, and he looked in the direction of his son with a slightly troubled eye, while he rubbed his chin reflectively. "Oh, I'll vouch for them, and take care that they do not get into any scrapes also," answered Mr Martin, confidently. "Very well; I'll trust them under your wing. Come into my sanctum and have a cigar first." Mr Raybold rose and led the way with a pleasant smile; then, dismissing the servant who had followed them with coffee, he locked the door, and turned round to Philip Martin with a stern face-- "Look here, Philip, I don't like this! I am risking the biggest part of my fortune, and possibly my own life, to help on the cause, but I draw the line at giving up my son also." Clarence sprang forward with a joyous cry, and flung his arms impulsively round his father's neck. "Oh, father, how happy you have made me by those words! So you are not, after all, a tame serf?" "Wait, Clarence. I am speaking to Mr Martin at present," said his father, gravely, at the same time pushing him away gently. "I have learnt enough from these lads, Mr Raybold, to know that no power on earth will keep them out of the fun if they live in Johannesburg," answered Philip Martin, calmly. "If we don't show them what is going on under the surface, they are too recently from the home of freedom to be able to endure the life here." "I can send them away." "Where? To Rhodesia, where they will be picked up and utilised by our friends outside?" Mr Raybold remained silent, as if he had not a reply handy.