Volume Two—Chapter Three.
The Friend in Need.
George Payne and his newly-found friend—a veritable friend in need upon this occasion even as on a former one—kept on their way, winding along the picturesque heights overlooking the Kei, and exchanging many a reminiscence of their past acquaintance.
“To think of your turning up like this,” said the former. “Why, I thought you were still away up in the interior and never meant to come near these parts again.”
“Well, I don’t know. Fact is, after a few years of wandering, one has pretty well done this not too interesting continent, at least the southern part of it; and now I’m thinking of going somewhere else.”
“And you’ve come straight down country, now?”
“Yes; ridden all the way. It would be inconvenient in some ways were it not that one is indifferent to the exigencies of civilisation after such a spell of savagery as I’ve been having. One can’t carry much baggage, for instance.”
“Is that all you’ve got?” said Payne, glancing at the valise strapped across the other’s saddle.
“Yes; I had the rest sent to Komgha. It’s a good way from your place, but we might pick it up if it was wanted.”