Part 13 (2/2)

”There goes afor trouble,” he said, ”and I wouldn't take a half-share of the trouble he's going to find for five hundred of the best Is that blessed anchor up yet, Mr Simmons? Half ahead-set her due west, Mr What's-your-nae There were ten unifor hie, and Sanders caate to an Sanders aardly; but the ones,” he said, ”be bygones”

Sanders was unaccountably annoyed by this generous display Still more so was he when the correspondent refused to reopen the question of atrocities

”As your guest,” said George solemnly, ”I feel that it would be better for all concerned if I pursued an independent investigation I shall endeavour as far as possible, to putcircuin-swizzle!” said Sanders rudely and impatiently; ”you make me tired”

”Look here,” he said later, ”I will only ask you two questions Where are these atrocities supposed to have taken place?”

”In the district of Lukati,” said the Hon George

”Olari,” thought Sanders ”Who was the victim?” he asked

”There were several,” said the correspondent, and produced his note-book ”You understand that I'd really much rather not discuss the matter with you, but, since you insist,” he read, ”Efembi of Wastambo”

”Oh!” said Sanders, and his eyebrows rose

”Kabindo of Machee read six other cases, and with every one a line iped from Sanders' forehead

When the recital was finished the Commissioner said slowly-

”I can reat deal of unnecessary trouble”

”I would rather you didn't,” said George, in his best judicial ood,” said Sanders; and went ahistling to order dinner

Over the meal he put it to the correspondent:

”There are a number of people on this station who are friends of uise the fact froe of the Houssas; the doctor, Kennedy, the chap in charge of the survey party; and half a dozen more Would you like to question them?”

”They are friends of yours?”

”Yes, personal friends”

”Then,” said the Hon George, gravely, ”perhaps it would be better if I did not see them”

”As you wish,” said Sanders

With an escort of four Houssas, and fifty carriers recruited froe departed into the interior, and Sanders saw him off