To Carl this sounded like bragging, but he felt, from within, that the man was sincere.
Without waiting for Carl to say anything, Rogers added “My place is but a few miles from the station, and a servant will be waiting for me with a buckboard. If you will accept my offer, I can fit you up.”
“I shall be greatly indebted to you.”
“Not at all, friend. My motto is ‘Help others—you may need help some day.’ I’m not asking questions as to what you are in a hurry about and I don’t want you to tell me, either. All I know is you are in a hurry and that’s enough for Rogers.”
Carl was no fool, and realizing the offer was made in good faith readily accepted it.
In due time they reached the railhead, and as predicted by Rogers, his servant was there, waiting to take him home. He hustled Carl into the wagon and away they went at a lively pace.
Rogers, turned to Carl, laughing and remarked “Some speed in Africa, according to where you look for it.”
After a half hour’s drive across the grassy plains they swung through a grove of trees, arriving shortly at the great palatial house Rogers called home.
Inside, Rogers called for whisky and soda, after which he led Carl to the bath where he could rid himself of the dust of the journey. It was then late in the afternoon, and although Carl was anxious to be on his way, he could not refuse the invitation to remain overnight.
Dawn, the following morning, found Carl up and dressed, after a night of refreshing sleep and rest. Rogers was up before him, however, and had seen to it that breakfast was on the table when his guest came downstairs.