“But it is none the less true. Read Mark Twain’s famous ‘Soliloquy of King Leopold.’ Never has such an indictment been penned, and the ways of the Belgian press bureau are proved up to the hilt. Now that the King is dead those upon whom his mantle has fallen are pursuing the same course. Not many hours will pass before they will turn their attention to me. Every possible means will be tried to silence me, by bribes, and threats. I hope this doesn’t bore you?” Gaunt said suddenly turning to Captain Drake.
“On the contrary I am deeply interested. I have had some experience of the Belgian swine myself. Their methods are even worse than the Germans in Southwest Africa, and their methods are pretty ghastly,” the latter said quietly.
“I wonder if you would mind taking my brother into your confidence. I mean, with reference to our plans for the future,” Edward Drake added hastily, when he saw a frown appear on Gaunt’s face.
“Not at all. His knowledge of West Africa may be useful,” Gaunt answered readily.
For the moment he had imagined that Drake meant to tell the captain of his vow and he had a great objection to any one having knowledge of it.
“I read your speech when I was coming up from Plymouth, and I may say that I admire you for your pluck,” Captain Drake said with quiet enthusiasm.
Gaunt flushed at the praise for he felt that he was little deserving of it.
“I am prepared to enter heart and soul into your plans,” the captain continued; “I have lived among the natives and have always found them decent. I am not one who considers the nigger but little better than the brute. True, their intelligence is not very great, but they can be capable of great loyalty and have a keen sense of gratitude. There isn’t a better fighting man in the world than the properly trained Haussa. Will you not tell me something of your intentions?”
Gaunt rose from his chair and an expression of great gravity came into his face.
“Since last night, many schemes have come into my mind, but so far none of them have been quite feasible. I think it is a hopeless task to try to change the present conditions in the Congo by peaceful methods, although it is my intention to see the foreign secretary at an early date. Should he fail me, as I fully anticipate, I have wondered if it would not be possible for us to try force?”