It was a long story, and by the time that Reeves had finished his narrative the motor launch had reached the frontier post of Nali, seven hundred miles from the Gold Coast. Here good use was made of the telegraph, and by noon on the following day the London Intelligence came out with double-leaded headlines, announcing the safe arrival of their missing correspondent and the two lads, whose disappearance had been the subject of much anxiety and speculation; while the news of the discovery of Croixilia aroused so much enthusiasm that long before Reeves reached the coast he received nearly a dozen tempting offers for his services as a lecturer in the principal towns of the United Kingdom.
* * * * *
Three weeks later Mr. Reeves—the "mister" had been dropped when beyond the pale of civilization—and his two charges again set foot in their native land.
Gerald was met by his parents and taken north, but the correspondent accompanied Hugh to his home at Shoreham, where the meeting between the lad and his parents can better be imagined than described.
"Our deepest thanks are due to you, Reeves," remarked Mr. Frazer, when the two men found themselves alone. "Now it's all over, one can look more calmly upon the situation; and I cannot help noticing that Hugh has changed considerably."
"In appearance?"
"And in manners. Hugh was undoubtedly a selfish lad, but now he seems to realize that there are others in the world besides himself. This experience has been the making of him. Having to go without luxuries, for instance, though discomfiting at the time, makes one doubly appreciate them when——"
"When you return home," concluded Reeves, contentedly replenishing his pipe.
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