I sometimes think,my brother,that you would do better to give me even more of your confidence.You are a very clever man,but you do keep yourself so secret.If I too were not clever,how would Iknow to send you this news,how would I know that it will make you glad?But there,you will go your way.I know it!
"Now for the news!Monty,as I cabled (I send the bill)has gone secretly to London.Since Scarlett Trent found our Hausa friend and the rum flask,there have been no means of getting liquor to him,so I suppose he has very near regained his senses,anyhow he shipped off very cunning,not even Missionary Walsh knowing,but he made a very big mistake,the news of which I send to you knowing it will be good.Hiram,he stole the money to pay for his passage from the missionary's cash-box!All one day he stood under a tree looking out to sea,and a steamer from Capetown called,and when he heard the whistle and saw the surf boats he seemed to wake up.He walked up and down restlessly for a long time,muttering to himself.
Mrs.Walsh came out to him and he was still staring at the steamer.
She told him to come in out of the sun,which was very hot,but he shook his head.'She's calling me,'he kept on saying,'calling me!'She heard him in the room where the money was and then saw no more of him.But others saw him running to the shore,and he paid to be taken out to the steamer.They wouldn't take him on at first,because he hadn't secured a passage,but he laid down and wouldn't move.So,as he had the money,they took him,and when I heard Icabled to you.But what harm can he do,for you are his master?
He is a thief and you know it.Surely you can do with him what you will.
"Trent was here yesterday and heard for the first time of his flight.
How he took it I cannot tell you,for I was not the one to tell him,but this I know for a fact.He cabled to Capetown offering 100pounds if the Star Line steamer leaving to-morrow would call for him here.
Hiram,he is a great man,this Trent.I hate him,for he has spoilt much trade for me,and he treats me as though I were the dirt under his feet,but never a man before who has set foot upon the Coast could have done what he has done.Without soldiers he has beaten the Bekwando natives,and made them even work for him.He has stirred the whole place here into a state of fever!A thousand men are working upon his road and sinking shafts upon the Bekwando hills.
Gold is already coming down,nuggets of it,and he is opening a depot to buy all the mahogany and ivory in the country.He spends money like water,he never rests,what he says must be done is done!
The authorities are afraid of him,but day by day they become more civil!The Agent here called him once an adventurer,and threatened him with arrest for his fighting with the Bekwandos.Now they go to him cap in hand,for they know that he will be a great power in this country.And Hiram,my brother,you have not given me your trust though I speak to you so openly,but here is the advice of a brother,for blood is blood,and I would have you make monies.
Don't you put yourself against Trent.Be on his side,for his is the winning side.I don't know what you got in your head about that poor scarecrow Monty,but I tell you,Hiram,Trent is the man to back right through.He has the knack of success,and he is a genius.
My!he's a great man,and he's a king out here.You be on his side,Hiram,and you're all right.
"Now goodbye,but send me the money for the cable when you write,and remember -Monty is a thief and Trent is the man to back,which reminds me that Trent repaid to Missionary Walsh all the money which Monty took,which it seems was left with Walsh by him for Monty's keep.But Monty does not know that,so you have the string to make him dance.
"Which comes from your brother "SAMUEL.
"P.S.-Do not forget the small account for disbursements."Da Souza folded up the letter,and a look of peace shone in his face.
Presently he climbed the stairs to a little back-room and noiselessly unlocked the door.Monty,with pale face and bloodshot eyes,was walking up and down,mumbling to himself.He addressed Da Souza eagerly.
"I think I will go away now,"he said."I am very much obliged to you for looking after me."Da Souza gazed at him with well-affected gravity."One moment first,"he said,"didn't I understand you that you had just come from Africa?"Monty nodded.
"The Gold Coast?"
Monty nodded again,but with less confidence.
"By any chance -were you called Monty there?"Monty turned ghastly pale.Surely his last sin had not found him out.He was silent,but there was no need for speech.Da Souza motioned him to sit down.
"I am very sorry,"he said,"of course it's true.The police have been here.""The police!"Monty moaned.
Da Souza nodded.Benevolence was so rare a part for him to play,that he rather enjoyed it.
"Don't be scared,"he said."Yes,your description is out,and you are wanted for stealing a few pounds from a man named Walsh.Never mind.I won't give you up.You shall lie snug here for a few days!"Monty fell on his knees."You won't let any one know that I am here!"he pleaded.
"Not I,"Da Souza answered fervently.
Monty rose to his feet,his face full of dumb misery.
"Now,"he muttered,"I shall never see her -never -never -never!"There was a bottle half full of spirits upon the table and a tumbler as yet unused.A gleam flashed in his eyes.He filled the tumbler and raised it to his lips.Da Souza watched him curiously with the benevolent smile still upon his face.
