"Where was it you met her, may I ask?"
"Oh, it was here in this beastly African country. It was just after we started on our trip—some days before we came across you. She had a very pretty name, too. Masie Langford, I believe it was."
All at once Joe began to act very strange. He reeled about like a drunken man, and would have fallen to the ground had not Jack caught him.
"Why, what's the matter, my boy?" asked he, in surprise.
"Nothing—nothing. I had a faintness come over me, that's all. You know I am subject to fainting."
"That's so, little fellow. Well, never mind, we'll get back to the house and you can lay down. Here, take my arm, I'll help you walk along."
All hands now left the spot and started with Poppet for his house.
On the way Poppet explained to Van that the girl he had championed was the prettiest in the entire city and that she had suitors by the score.
She was the daughter of one of the city officers, and the same girl who had been insulted by Doc Clancy.
The fellow Van had knocked down was also a city officer, and Poppet was afraid there might be trouble on account of what had happened.