"Yes," rejoined the old man simply, "it was. But the kind Colonel's invitation, together with the fact that I had a nephew who fell fighting the Germans and who is buried just outside Tabora, were sufficient inducements for me to undertake the trek."
"You have other relations in this country, perhaps?" asked Desmond.
The farmer shook his head.
"None," he replied. "I had sons and nephews, but they are dead. But now I have finished my task. We will return to the house."
The two chums saw that there were rocks ahead. Colonel Narfield ought to be warned that a mistake had been made somewhere, but at the same time Farmer Van der Wyck ought not to be allowed to know that he was a guest through misapprehension. It seemed impossible to find an excuse to see the Colonel alone, and yet—— Suddenly an inspiration flashed across Sinclair's mind. "Right-o!" he exclaimed cheerfully. "Come along, Tiny; we'll take Mr. Van der Wyck back to the house."
Desmond tumbled to it. In order to make things easier, they were to pretend that the old farmer was the Van der Wyck until they found an opportunity of letting Colonel Narfield know the exact position of affairs. But Colin managed to scribble a note and give it to Tenpenny Nail, with instructions to hand it to the Colonel.
But, alas! for that scheme.
Colonel Narfield, courteous and hospitable, beamed on the old farmer as he entered the house with Colin and Desmond hanging on to his arms.
"Now," he exclaimed, "you must be hungry, Mr. Van der Wyck. The boys have had a long journey, too, but not so long as yours."
"Ah, no," agreed the old man. "Mine was a long journey. And the ship! At my age! It was the first time I was on the water."