from the natives that at a particular spot on the mountains, nominally
in the Portuguese territory near the lowest branch of the Zambesi, gold
could be dug out like iron ore, and when, at the price of two Tower
muskets and a half-bred greyhound, they received a concession from the
actual chief of that territory to dig up and possess the gold without
let or hindrance from any person whatsoever, they did not postpone their
undertaking because the country was fever-stricken and the unhealthy
season drew on. In the first place, their resources were not great at
the moment; and in the second, they feared lest some other enterprising
person with three Tower muskets and two grey-hounds should persuade the
chief to rescind their concession in his favour.

So they journeyed laboriously to the place of hidden wealth, and with
the help of such native labour as they could gather began their search.
At first they were moderately successful; indeed, wherever they dug
they found "colour," and once or twice stumbled upon pockets of
nuggets. Their hopes ran high, but presently one of the four--Askew by
name--sickened and died of fever. They buried him and persevered with
varying luck. Then a second member of their party, Johnston, was taken
ill. He lingered for a month and died also.

After this Leonard was for abandoning the enterprise, but, as fate would
have it, on the day following Johnston's death they found gold in very
promising quantities, and his brother, whose desire to win the wealth
necessary was only increased by many disappointments, would not listen
to such advice.

So they rebuilt the hut on a higher and healthier spot and stayed. But
on one unfortunate day Thomas Outram went out shooting, and losing his
path in the bush was forced to spend a night in the fever-fog. A