There was not time to ask any further questions.
The two men had to run to reach the landing place in time, for the surf boats were at that moment rolling to the yellow beach.
Sir Robert Sanleigh, in spotless white, was carried ashore, and his staff followed.
"Ah, Hamilton," said the great Bob, "everything all right?"
"Yes, your Excellency," said Hamilton, "there have been one or two serious killing palavers on which I will report."
Sir Robert nodded.
"You were bound to have a little trouble as soon as Sanders went," he said.
He was a methodical man and had little time for the work at hand, for the mail-boat was waiting to carry him to another station. Books, quarters, and stores were in apple-pie order, and inwardly Hamilton raised his voice in praise of the young man, who strode silently and fiercely by his side, his face still distorted with a new-found fierceness.
"The Houssas are all right, I suppose?" asked Sir Robert. "Discipline good—no crime?"