"When the lady came back from the ship," he repeated slowly, "Did she come back?"
"Master, an hour since. I did not see her, for she came by the short way from the beach to the river-landing. But many saw her."
Sanders nodded.
"Go to Yoka and let him have steam against my coming."
The sergeant's face was blank.
"Lord, Yoka has done many things," he said, "such as removing the shh-shh of the engine"—Sanders groaned—"yet will I go to him and speak with him for steam."
"If he's got the cylinder dismantled," said Sanders in despair, "it will be hours before the Zaire is ready, and I haven't a canoe that can overtake them."
A Houssa came to the door.
"A telegram for you," said Hamilton, taking the envelope from the man.
Sanders tore it open and read. It was from London: