Sheranlightly，unawareofanyeffortofherbody。Highsharprocksthat，whenthebayisfull，showabovetheglitteringplainofbluewaterlikepointedtowersofsubmergedchurches，glidedpasther，rushingtothelandatatremendouspace。Totheleft，inthedistance，shecouldseesomethingshining：abroaddiscoflightinwhichnarrowshadowspivotedroundthecentrelikethespokesofawheel。Sheheardavoicecalling，\"Hey！There！\"andansweredwithawildscream。So，hecouldcallyet！Hewascallingafterhertostop。
Never！……Shetorethroughthenight，pastthestartledgroupofseaweed-gathererswhostoodroundtheirlanternparalysedwithfearattheunearthlyscreechcomingfromthatfleeingshadow。Themenleanedontheirpitchforksstaringfearfully。Awomanfellonherknees，and，crossingherself，begantoprayaloud。Alittlegirlwithherraggedskirtfullofslimyseaweedbegantosobdespairingly，lugginghersoakedburdenclosetothemanwhocarriedthelight。Somebodysaid：
\"Thethingranouttowardsthesea。\"Anothervoiceexclaimed：\"Andtheseaiscomingback！Lookatthespreadingpuddles。Doyouhear——youwoman——there！Getup！\"Severalvoicescriedtogether。\"Yes，letusbeoff！Lettheaccursedthinggotothesea！\"Theymovedon，keepingcloseroundthelight。Suddenlyamansworeloudly。Hewouldgoandseewhatwasthematter。Ithadbeenawoman’svoice。Hewouldgo。
Therewereshrillprotestsfromwomen——buthishighformdetacheditselffromthegroupandwentoffrunning。Theysentanunanimouscallofscaredvoicesafterhim。Aword，insultingandmocking，cameback，thrownatthemthroughthedarkness。Awomanmoaned。Anoldmansaidgravely：\"Suchthingsoughttobeleftalone。\"Theywentonslower，shufflingintheyieldingsandandwhisperingtooneanotherthatMillotfearednothing，havingnoreligion，butthatitwouldendbadlysomeday。
SusanmettheincomingtidebytheRavenisletandstopped，panting，withherfeetinthewater。Sheheardthemurmurandfeltthecoldcaressofthesea，and，calmernow，couldseethesombreandconfusedmassoftheRavenononesideandontheotherthelongwhitestreakofMolenesandsthatarelefthighabovethedrybottomofFougereBayateveryebb。Sheturnedroundandsawfaraway，alongthestarredbackgroundofthesky，theraggedoutlineofthecoast。Aboveit，nearlyfacingher，appearedthetowerofPloumarChurch；aslenderandtallpyramidshootingupdarkandpointedintotheclusteredglitterofthestars。Shefeltstrangelycalm。Sheknewwhereshewas，andbegantorememberhowshecamethere——andwhy。Shepeeredintothesmoothobscuritynearher。Shewasalone。Therewasnothingthere；
nothingnearher，eitherlivingordead。
Thetidewascreepinginquietly，puttingoutlongimpatientarmsofstrangerivuletsthatrantowardsthelandbetweenridgesofsand。
Underthenightthepoolsgrewbiggerwithmysteriousrapidity，whilethegreatsea，yetfaroff，thunderedinaregularrhythmalongtheindistinctlineofthehorizon。Susansplashedherwaybackforafewyardswithoutbeingabletogetclearofthewaterthatmurmuredtenderlyallaroundand，suddenly，withaspitefulgurgle，nearlytookheroffherfeet。Herheartthumpedwithfear。Thisplacewastoobigandtooemptytodiein。To-morrowtheywoulddowithherwhattheyliked。Butbeforeshediedshemusttellthem——tellthegentlemeninblackclothesthattherearethingsnowomancanbear。Shemustexplainhowithappened……Shesplashedthroughapool，gettingwettothewaist，toopreoccupiedtocare……Shemustexplain。\"Hecameinthesamewayaseverandsaid，justso：’DoyouthinkIamgoingtoleavethelandtothosepeoplefromMorbihanthatIdonotknow？Doyou？Weshallsee！Comealong，youcreatureofmischance！’
Andheputhisarmsout。Then，Messieurs，Isaid：’BeforeGod——never！’Andhesaid，stridingatmewithopenpalms：’ThereisnoGodtoholdme！Doyouunderstand，youuselesscarcase。IwilldowhatIlike。’Andhetookmebytheshoulders。ThenI，Messieurs，calledtoGodforhelp，andnextminute，whilehewasshakingme，Ifeltmylongscissorsinmyhand。Hisshirtwasunbuttoned，and，bythecandle-
light，Isawthehollowofhisthroat。Icried：’Letgo！’Hewascrushingmyshoulders。Hewasstrong，mymanwas！ThenIthought：No！……MustI？……Thentake！——andIstruckinthehollowplace。I
neversawhimfall……Theoldfatherneverturnedhishead。Heisdeafandchildish，gentlemen……Nobodysawhimfall。Iranout……Nobodysaw……\"
ShehadbeenscramblingamongstthebouldersoftheRavenandnowfoundherself，alloutofbreath，standingamongsttheheavyshadowsoftherockyislet。TheRavenisconnectedwiththemainlandbyanaturalpierofimmenseandslipperystones。Sheintendedtoreturnhomethatway。Washestillstandingthere？Athome。Home！Fouridiotsandacorpse。Shemustgobackandexplain。Anybodywouldunderstand……
Belowherthenightortheseaseemedtopronouncedistinctly——
\"Aha！Iseeyouatlast！\"
Shestarted，slipped，fell；andwithoutattemptingtorise，listened，terrified。Sheheardheavybreathing，aclatterofwoodenclogs。Itstopped。
\"Wherethedevildidyoupass？\"saidaninvisibleman，hoarsely。
Sheheldherbreath。Sherecognizedthevoice。Shehadnotseenhimfall。Washepursuinghertheredead，orperhaps……alive？
Shelostherhead。Shecriedfromthecrevicewhereshelayhuddled，\"Never，never！\"
\"Ah！Youarestillthere。Youledmeafinedance。Wait，mybeauty，I
mustseehowyoulookafterallthis。Youwait……\"
Millotwasstumbling，laughing，swearingmeaninglesslyoutofpuresatisfaction，pleasedwithhimselfforhavingrundownthatfly-by-night。\"Asifthereweresuchthingsasghosts！Bah！IttookanoldAfricansoldiertoshowthoseclodhoppers……Butitwascurious。Whothedevilwasshe？\"
Susanlistened，crouching。Hewascomingforher，thisdeadman。Therewasnoescape。Whatanoisehemadeamongstthestones……Shesawhisheadriseup，thentheshoulders。Hewastall——herownman！Hislongarmswavedabout，anditwashisownvoicesoundingalittlestrange……becauseofthescissors。Shescrambledoutquickly，rushedtotheedgeofthecauseway，andturnedround。Themanstoodstillonahighstone，detachinghimselfindeadblackontheglitterofthesky。
\"Whereareyougoingto？\"hecalled，roughly。
Sheanswered，\"Home！\"andwatchedhimintensely。Hemadeastriding，clumsyleapontoanotherboulder，andstoppedagain，balancinghimself，thensaid——
\"Ha！ha！Well，Iamgoingwithyou。It’stheleastIcando。Ha！ha！
ha！\"
Shestaredathimtillhereyesseemedtobecomeglowingcoalsthatburneddeepintoherbrain，andyetshewasinmortalfearofmakingoutthewell-knownfeatures。Belowherthesealappedsoftlyagainsttherockwithasplashcontinuousandgentle。
Themansaid，advancinganotherstep——
\"Iamcomingforyou。Whatdoyouthink？\"
Shetrembled。Comingforher！Therewasnoescape，nopeace，nohope。
Shelookedrounddespairingly。Suddenlythewholeshadowycoast，theblurredislets，theheavenitself，swayedabouttwice，thencametoarest。Sheclosedhereyesandshouted——
\"Can’tyouwaittillIamdead！\"
Shewasshakenbyafurioushateforthatshadethatpursuedherinthisworld，unappeasedevenbydeathinitslongingforanheirthatwouldbelikeotherpeople’schildren。
\"Hey！What？\"saidMillot，keepinghisdistanceprudently。Hewassayingtohimself：\"Lookout！Somelunatic。Anaccidenthappenssoon。\"
Shewenton，wildly——
\"Iwanttolive。Tolivealone——foraweek——foraday。Imustexplaintothem……Iwouldtearyoutopieces，IwouldkillyoutwentytimesoverratherthanletyoutouchmewhileIlive。HowmanytimesmustIkillyou——youblasphemer！Satansendsyouhere。Iamdamnedtoo！\"
\"Come，\"saidMillot，alarmedandconciliating。\"Iamperfectlyalive！……Oh，myGod！\"
Shehadscreamed，\"Alive！\"andatoncevanishedbeforehiseyes，asiftheisletitselfhadswervedasidefromunderherfeet。Millotrushedforward，andfellflatwithhischinovertheedge。Farbelowhesawthewaterwhitenedbyherstruggles，andheardoneshrillcryforhelpthatseemedtodartupwardsalongtheperpendicularfaceoftherock，andsoarpast，straightintothehighandimpassiveheaven。
MadameLevaillesat，dry-eyed，ontheshortgrassofthehillside，withherthicklegsstretchedout，andheroldfeetturnedupintheirblackclothshoes。Herclogsstoodnearby，andfurtherofftheumbrellalayonthewitheredswardlikeaweapondroppedfromthegraspofavanquishedwarrior。TheMarquisofChavanes，onhorseback，oneglovedhandonthigh，lookeddownatherasshegotuplaboriously，withgroans。Onthenarrowtrackoftheseaweed-cartsfourmenwerecarryinginlandSusan’sbodyonahand-barrow，whileseveralothersstraggledlistlesslybehind。MadameLevaillelookedaftertheprocession。\"Yes，MonsieurleMarquis，\"shesaiddispassionately，inherusualcalmtoneofareasonableoldwoman。
\"Thereareunfortunatepeopleonthisearth。Ihadonlyonechild。
Onlyone！Andtheywon’tburyherinconsecratedground！\"
Hereyesfilledsuddenly，andashortshoweroftearsrolleddownthebroadcheeks。Shepulledtheshawlcloseabouther。TheMarquisleanedslightlyoverinhissaddle，andsaid——
\"Itisverysad。Youhaveallmysympathy。IshallspeaktotheCure。
Shewasunquestionablyinsane，andthefallwasaccidental。Millotsayssodistinctly。Good-day，Madame。\"
Andhetrottedoff，thinkingtohimself：\"Imustgetthisoldwomanappointedguardianofthoseidiots，andadministratorofthefarm。ItwouldbemuchbetterthanhavinghereoneofthoseotherBacadous，probablyaredrepublican，corruptingmycommune。\"
ANOUTPOSTOFPROGRESS
I
Thereweretwowhitemeninchargeofthetradingstation。Kayerts，thechief，wasshortandfat；Carlier，theassistant，wastall，withalargeheadandaverybroadtrunkpercheduponalongpairofthinlegs。ThethirdmanonthestaffwasaSierraLeonenigger，whomaintainedthathisnamewasHenryPrice。However，forsomereasonorother，thenativesdowntheriverhadgivenhimthenameofMakola，anditstucktohimthroughallhiswanderingsaboutthecountry。HespokeEnglishandFrenchwithawarblingaccent，wroteabeautifulhand，understoodbookkeeping，andcherishedinhisinnermosthearttheworshipofevilspirits。HiswifewasanegressfromLoanda，verylargeandverynoisy。Threechildrenrolledaboutinsunshinebeforethedoorofhislow，shed-likedwelling。Makola，taciturnandimpenetrable，despisedthetwowhitemen。Hehadchargeofasmallclaystorehousewithadried-grassroof，andpretendedtokeepacorrectaccountofbeads，cottoncloth，redkerchiefs，brasswire，andothertradegoodsitcontained。BesidesthestorehouseandMakola’shut，therewasonlyonelargebuildingintheclearedgroundofthestation。Itwasbuiltneatlyofreeds，withaverandahonallthefoursides。Therewerethreeroomsinit。Theoneinthemiddlewastheliving-room，andhadtworoughtablesandafewstoolsinit。Theothertwowerethebedroomsforthewhitemen。Eachhadabedsteadandamosquitonetforallfurniture。Theplankfloorwaslitteredwiththebelongingsofthewhitemen；openhalf-emptyboxes，tornwearingapparel，oldboots；allthethingsdirty，andallthethingsbroken，thataccumulatemysteriouslyrounduntidymen。Therewasalsoanotherdwelling-placesomedistanceawayfromthebuildings。Init，underatallcrossmuchoutoftheperpendicular，sleptthemanwhohadseenthebeginningofallthis；whohadplannedandhadwatchedtheconstructionofthisoutpostofprogress。Hehadbeen，athome，anunsuccessfulpainterwho，wearyofpursuingfameonanemptystomach，hadgoneouttherethroughhighprotections。Hehadbeenthefirstchiefofthatstation。Makolahadwatchedtheenergeticartistdieoffeverinthejustfinishedhousewithhisusualkindof\"Itoldyouso\"indifference。Then，foratime，hedweltalonewithhisfamily，hisaccountbooks，andtheEvilSpiritthatrulesthelandsundertheequator。Hegotonverywellwithhisgod。Perhapshehadpropitiatedhimbyapromiseofmorewhitementoplaywith，byandby。AtanyratethedirectoroftheGreatTradingCompany，comingupinasteamerthatresembledanenormoussardineboxwithaflat-roofedshederectedonit，foundthestationingoodorder，andMakolaasusualquietlydiligent。Thedirectorhadthecrossputupoverthefirstagent’sgrave，andappointedKayertstothepost。Carlierwastoldoffassecondincharge。Thedirectorwasamanruthlessandefficient，whoattimes，butveryimperceptibly，indulgedingrimhumour。HemadeaspeechtoKayertsandCarlier，pointingouttothemthepromisingaspectoftheirstation。Thenearesttrading-postwasaboutthreehundredmilesaway。Itwasanexceptionalopportunityforthemtodistinguishthemselvesandtoearnpercentagesonthetrade。Thisappointmentwasafavourdonetobeginners。Kayertswasmovedalmosttotearsbyhisdirector’skindness。Hewould，hesaid，bydoinghisbest，trytojustifytheflatteringconfidence，&c。，&c。KayertshadbeenintheAdministrationoftheTelegraphs，andknewhowtoexpresshimselfcorrectly。Carlier，anex-non-commissionedofficerofcavalryinanarmyguaranteedfromharmbyseveralEuropeanPowers，waslessimpressed。Iftherewerecommissionstoget，somuchthebetter；and，trailingasulkyglanceovertheriver，theforests，theimpenetrablebushthatseemedtocutoffthestationfromtherestoftheworld，hemutteredbetweenhisteeth，\"Weshallsee，verysoon。\"
Nextday，somebalesofcottongoodsandafewcasesofprovisionshavingbeenthrownonshore，thesardine-boxsteamerwentoff，nottoreturnforanothersixmonths。Onthedeckthedirectortouchedhiscaptothetwoagents，whostoodonthebankwavingtheirhats，andturningtoanoldservantoftheCompanyonhispassagetoheadquarters，said，\"Lookatthosetwoimbeciles。Theymustbemadathometosendmesuchspecimens。Itoldthosefellowstoplantavegetablegarden，buildnewstorehousesandfences，andconstructalanding-stage。Ibetnothingwillbedone！Theywon’tknowhowtobegin。Ialwaysthoughtthestationonthisriveruseless，andtheyjustfitthestation！\"
\"Theywillformthemselvesthere，\"saidtheoldstagerwithaquietsmile。
\"Atanyrate，Iamridofthemforsixmonths，\"retortedthedirector。
Thetwomenwatchedthesteamerroundthebend，then，ascendingarminarmtheslopeofthebank，returnedtothestation。Theyhadbeeninthisvastanddarkcountryonlyaveryshorttime，andasyetalwaysinthemidstofotherwhitemen，undertheeyeandguidanceoftheirsuperiors。Andnow，dullastheyweretothesubtleinfluencesofsurroundings，theyfeltthemselvesverymuchalone，whensuddenlyleftunassistedtofacethewilderness；awildernessrenderedmorestrange，moreincomprehensiblebythemysteriousglimpsesofthevigorouslifeitcontained。Theyweretwoperfectlyinsignificantandincapableindividuals，whoseexistenceisonlyrenderedpossiblethroughthehighorganizationofcivilizedcrowds。Fewmenrealizethattheirlife，theveryessenceoftheircharacter，theircapabilitiesandtheiraudacities，areonlytheexpressionoftheirbeliefinthesafetyoftheirsurroundings。Thecourage，thecomposure，theconfidence；theemotionsandprinciples；everygreatandeveryinsignificantthoughtbelongsnottotheindividualbuttothecrowd：tothecrowdthatbelievesblindlyintheirresistibleforceofitsinstitutionsandofitsmorals，inthepowerofitspoliceandofitsopinion。Butthecontactwithpureunmitigatedsavagery，withprimitivenatureandprimitiveman，bringssuddenandprofoundtroubleintotheheart。Tothesentimentofbeingaloneofone’skind，totheclearperceptionofthelonelinessofone’sthoughts，ofone’ssensations——tothenegationofthehabitual，whichissafe，thereisaddedtheaffirmationoftheunusual，whichisdangerous；asuggestionofthingsvague，uncontrollable，andrepulsive，whosediscomposingintrusionexcitestheimaginationandtriesthecivilizednervesofthefoolishandthewisealike。
KayertsandCarlierwalkedarminarm，drawingclosetooneanotheraschildrendointhedark；andtheyhadthesame，notaltogetherunpleasant，senseofdangerwhichonehalfsuspectstobeimaginary。
Theychattedpersistentlyinfamiliartones。\"Ourstationisprettilysituated，\"saidone。Theotherassentedwithenthusiasm，enlargingvolublyonthebeautiesofthesituation。Thentheypassednearthegrave。\"Poordevil！\"saidKayerts。\"Hediedoffever，didn’the？\"
mutteredCarlier，stoppingshort。\"Why，\"retortedKayerts，withindignation，\"I’vebeentoldthatthefellowexposedhimselfrecklesslytothesun。Theclimatehere，everybodysays，isnotatallworsethanathome，aslongasyoukeepoutofthesun。Doyouhearthat，Carlier？Iamchiefhere，andmyordersarethatyoushouldnotexposeyourselftothesun！\"Heassumedhissuperiorityjocularly，buthismeaningwasserious。Theideathathewould，perhaps，havetoburyCarlierandremainalone，gavehimaninwardshiver。HefeltsuddenlythatthisCarlierwasmoreprecioustohimhere，inthecentreofAfrica，thanabrothercouldbeanywhereelse。Carlier，enteringintothespiritofthething，madeamilitarysaluteandansweredinabrisktone，\"Yourordersshallbeattendedto，chief！\"Thenheburstoutlaughing，slappedKayertsonthebackandshouted，\"Weshallletliferuneasilyhere！Justsitstillandgatherintheivorythosesavageswillbring。Thiscountryhasitsgoodpoints，afterall！\"TheybothlaughedloudlywhileCarlierthought：\"ThatpoorKayerts；heissofatandunhealthy。ItwouldbeawfulifIhadtoburyhimhere。HeisamanIrespect。\"……Beforetheyreachedtheverandahoftheirhousetheycalledoneanother\"mydearfellow。\"
Thefirstdaytheywereveryactive，potteringaboutwithhammersandnailsandredcalico，toputupcurtains，maketheirhousehabitableandpretty；resolvedtosettledowncomfortablytotheirnewlife。Forthemanimpossibletask。Tograppleeffectuallywithevenpurelymaterialproblemsrequiresmoreserenityofmindandmoreloftycouragethanpeoplegenerallyimagine。Notwobeingscouldhavebeenmoreunfittedforsuchastruggle。Society，notfromanytenderness，butbecauseofitsstrangeneeds，hadtakencareofthosetwomen，forbiddingthemallindependentthought，allinitiative，alldeparturefromroutine；andforbiddingitunderpainofdeath。Theycouldonlyliveonconditionofbeingmachines。Andnow，releasedfromthefosteringcareofmenwithpensbehindtheears，orofmenwithgoldlaceonthesleeves，theywerelikethoselifelongprisonerswho，liberatedaftermanyyears，donotknowwhatusetomakeoftheirfreedom。Theydidnotknowwhatusetomakeoftheirfaculties，beingboth，throughwantofpractice，incapableofindependentthought。
AttheendoftwomonthsKayertsoftenwouldsay，\"IfitwasnotformyMelie，youwouldn’tcatchmehere。\"Meliewashisdaughter。HehadthrownuphispostintheAdministrationoftheTelegraphs，thoughhehadbeenforseventeenyearsperfectlyhappythere，toearnadowryforhisgirl。Hiswifewasdead，andthechildwasbeingbroughtupbyhissisters。Heregrettedthestreets，thepavements，thecafes，hisfriendsofmanyyears；allthethingsheusedtosee，dayafterday；
allthethoughtssuggestedbyfamiliarthings——thethoughtseffortless，monotonous，andsoothingofaGovernmentclerk；heregrettedallthegossip，thesmallenmities，themildvenom，andthelittlejokesofGovernmentoffices。\"IfIhadhadadecentbrother-
in-law，\"Carlierwouldremark，\"afellowwithaheart，Iwouldnotbehere。\"Hehadleftthearmyandhadmadehimselfsoobnoxioustohisfamilybyhislazinessandimpudence，thatanexasperatedbrother-in-lawhadmadesuperhumaneffortstoprocurehimanappoint-
mentintheCompanyasasecond-classagent。Havingnotapennyintheworldhewascompelledtoacceptthismeansoflivelihoodassoonasitbecamequitecleartohimthattherewasnothingmoretosqueezeoutofhisrelations。He，likeKayerts，regrettedhisoldlife。Heregrettedtheclinkofsabreandspursonafineafternoon，thebarrack-roomwitticisms，thegirlsofgarrisontowns；but，besides，hehadalsoasenseofgrievance。Hewasevidentlyamuchill-usedman。
Thismadehimmoody，attimes。Butthetwomengotonwelltogetherinthefellowshipoftheirstupidityandlaziness。Togethertheydidnothing，absolutelynothing，andenjoyedthesenseoftheidlenessforwhichtheywerepaid。Andintimetheycametofeelsomethingresemblingaffectionforoneanother。
Theylivedlikeblindmeninalargeroom，awareonlyofwhatcameincontactwiththem（andofthatonlyimperfectly），butunabletoseethegeneralaspectofthings。Theriver，theforest，allthegreatlandthrobbingwithlife，werelikeagreatemptiness。Eventhebrilliantsunshinedisclosednothingintelligible。Thingsappearedanddisappearedbeforetheireyesinanunconnectedandaimlesskindofway。Theriverseemedtocomefromnowhereandflownowhither。Itflowedthroughavoid。Outofthatvoid，attimes，camecanoes，andmenwithspearsintheirhandswouldsuddenlycrowdtheyardofthestation。Theywerenaked，glossyblack，ornamentedwithsnowyshellsandglisteningbrasswire，perfectoflimb。Theymadeanuncouthbabblingnoisewhentheyspoke，movedinastatelymanner，andsentquick，wildglancesoutoftheirstartled，never-restingeyes。Thosewarriorswouldsquatinlongrows，fourormoredeep，beforetheverandah，whiletheirchiefsbargainedforhourswithMakolaoveranelephanttusk。Kayertssatonhischairandlookeddownontheproceedings，understandingnothing。Hestaredatthemwithhisroundblueeyes，calledouttoCarlier，\"Here，look！lookatthatfellowthere——andthatotherone，totheleft。Didyoueversuchaface？Oh，thefunnybrute！\"
Carlier，smokingnativetobaccoinashortwoodenpipe，wouldswaggeruptwirlinghismoustaches，andsurveyingthewarriorswithhaughtyindulgence，wouldsay——
\"Fineanimals。Broughtanybone？Yes？It’snotanytoosoon。Lookatthemusclesofthatfellowthirdfromtheend。Iwouldn’tcaretogetapunchonthenosefromhim。Finearms，butlegsnogoodbelowtheknee。Couldn’tmakecavalrymenofthem。\"Andafterglancingdowncomplacentlyathisownshanks，healwaysconcluded：\"Pah！Don’ttheystink！You，Makola！Takethatherdovertothefetish\"（thestorehousewasineverystationcalledthefetish，perhapsbecauseofthespiritofcivilizationitcontained）\"andgivethemupsomeoftherubbishyoukeepthere。I’dratherseeitfullofbonethanfullofrags。\"
Kayertsapproved。
\"Yes，yes！Goandfinishthatpalaveroverthere，Mr。Makola。Iwillcomeroundwhenyouareready，toweighthetusk。Wemustbecareful。\"
Thenturningtohiscompanion：\"Thisisthetribethatlivesdowntheriver；theyareratheraromatic。Iremember，theyhadbeenoncebeforehere。D’yehearthatrow？Whatafellowhasgottoputupwithinthisdogofacountry！Myheadissplit。\"
Suchprofitablevisitswererare。Fordaysthetwopioneersoftradeandprogresswouldlookontheiremptycourtyardinthevibratingbrillianceofverticalsunshine。Belowthehighbank，thesilentriverflowedonglitteringandsteady。Onthesandsinthemiddleofthestream，hipposandalligatorssunnedthemselvessidebyside。Andstretchingawayinalldirections，surroundingtheinsignificantclearedspotofthetradingpost，immenseforests，hidingfatefulcomplicationsoffantasticlife，layintheeloquentsilenceofmutegreatness。Thetwomenunderstoodnothing，caredfornothingbutforthepassageofdaysthatseparatedthemfromthesteamer’sreturn。
Theirpredecessorhadleftsometornbooks。Theytookupthesewrecksofnovels，and，astheyhadneverreadanythingofthekindbefore，theyweresurprisedandamused。Thenduringlongdaystherewereinterminableandsillydiscussionsaboutplotsandpersonages。InthecentreofAfricatheymadeacquaintanceofRichelieuandofd’Artagnan，ofHawk’sEyeandofFatherGoriot，andofmanyotherpeople。Alltheseimaginarypersonagesbecamesubjectsforgossipasiftheyhadbeenlivingfriends。Theydiscountedtheirvirtues，suspectedtheirmotives，decriedtheirsuccesses；werescandalizedattheirduplicityorweredoubtfulabouttheircourage。Theaccountsofcrimesfilledthemwithindignation，whiletenderorpatheticpassagesmovedthemdeeply。Carlierclearedhisthroatandsaidinasoldierlyvoice，\"Whatnonsense！\"Kayerts，hisroundeyessuffusedwithtears，hisfatcheeksquivering，rubbedhisbaldhead，anddeclared。\"Thisisasplendidbook。Ihadnoideathereweresuchcleverfellowsintheworld。\"Theyalsofoundsomeoldcopiesofahomepaper。Thatprintdiscussedwhatitwaspleasedtocall\"OurColonialExpansion\"inhigh-flownlanguage。Itspokemuchoftherightsanddutiesofcivilization，ofthesacrednessofthecivilizingwork，andextolledthemeritsofthosewhowentaboutbringinglight，andfaithandcommercetothedarkplacesoftheearth。CarlierandKayertsread，wondered，andbegantothinkbetterofthemselves。Carliersaidoneevening，wavinghishandabout，\"Inahundredyears，therewillbeperhapsatownhere。Quays，andwarehouses，andbarracks，and——and——billiard-rooms。Civilization，myboy，andvirtue——andall。
Andthen，chapswillreadthattwogoodfellows，KayertsandCarlier，werethefirstcivilizedmentoliveinthisveryspot！\"Kayertsnodded，\"Yes，itisaconsolationtothinkofthat。\"Theyseemedtoforgettheirdeadpredecessor；but，earlyoneday，Carlierwentoutandreplantedthecrossfirmly。\"ItusedtomakemesquintwheneverI
walkedthatway，\"heexplainedtoKayertsoverthemorningcoffee。\"Itmademesquint，leaningoversomuch。SoIjustplanteditupright。
Andsolid，Ipromiseyou！Isuspendedmyselfwithbothhandstothecross-piece。Notamove。Oh，Ididthatproperly。\"
AttimesGobilacametoseethem。Gobilawasthechiefoftheneighbouringvillages。Hewasagray-headedsavage，thinandblack，withawhiteclothroundhisloinsandamangypantherskinhangingoverhisback。Hecameupwithlongstridesofhisskeletonlegs，swingingastaffastallashimself，and，enteringthecommonroomofthestation，wouldsquatonhisheelstotheleftofthedoor。Therehesat，watchingKayerts，andnowandthenmakingaspeechwhichtheotherdidnotunderstand。Kayerts，withoutinterruptinghisoccupation，wouldfromtimetotimesayinafriendlymanner：\"Howgoesit，youoldimage？\"andtheywouldsmileatoneanother。Thetwowhiteshadalikingforthatoldandincomprehensiblecreature，andcalledhimFatherGobila。Gobila’smannerwaspaternal，andheseemedreallytoloveallwhitemen。Theyallappearedtohimveryyoung，indistinguishablyalike（exceptforstature），andheknewthattheywereallbrothers，andalsoimmortal。Thedeathoftheartist，whowasthefirstwhitemanwhomheknewintimately，didnotdisturbthisbelief，becausehewasfirmlyconvincedthatthewhitestrangerhadpretendedtodieandgothimselfburiedforsomemysteriouspurposeofhisown，intowhichitwasuselesstoinquire。Perhapsitwashiswayofgoinghometohisowncountry？Atanyrate，thesewerehisbrothers，andhetransferredhisabsurdaffectiontothem。Theyreturneditinaway。Carlierslappedhimontheback，andrecklesslystruckoffmatchesforhisamusement。Kayertswasalwaysreadytolethimhaveasniffattheammoniabottle。Inshort，theybehavedjustlikethatotherwhitecreaturethathadhiddenitselfinaholeintheground。Gobilaconsideredthemattentively。Perhapstheywerethesamebeingwiththeother——oroneofthemwas。Hecouldn’tdecide——clearupthatmystery；butheremainedalwaysveryfriendly。InconsequenceofthatfriendshipthewomenofGobila’svillagewalkedinsinglefilethroughthereedygrass，bringingeverymorningtothestation，fowls，andsweetpotatoes，andpalmwine，andsometimesagoat。TheCompanyneverprovisionsthestationsfully，andtheagentsrequiredthoselocalsuppliestolive。Theyhadthemthroughthegood-willofGobila，andlivedwell。Nowandthenoneofthemhadaboutoffever，andtheothernursedhimwithgentledevotion。Theydidnotthinkmuchofit。Itleftthemweaker，andtheirappearancechangedfortheworse。Carlierwashollow-eyedandirritable。Kayertsshowedadrawn，flabbyfaceabovetherotundityofhisstomach，whichgavehimaweirdaspect。Butbeingconstantlytogether，theydidnotnoticethechangethattookplacegraduallyintheirappearance，andalsointheirdispositions。
Fivemonthspassedinthatway。
Then，onemorning，asKayertsandCarlier，loungingintheirchairsundertheverandah，talkedabouttheapproachingvisitofthesteamer，aknotofarmedmencameoutoftheforestandadvancedtowardsthestation。Theywerestrangerstothatpartofthecountry。Theyweretall，slight，drapedclassicallyfromnecktoheelinbluefringedcloths，andcarriedpercussionmusketsovertheirbarerightshoulders。Makolashowedsignsofexcitement，andranoutofthestorehouse（wherehespentallhisdays）tomeetthesevisitors。Theycameintothecourtyardandlookedaboutthemwithsteady，scornfulglances。Theirleader，apowerfulanddetermined-lookingnegrowithbloodshoteyes，stoodinfrontoftheverandahandmadealongspeech。Hegesticulatedmuch，andceasedverysuddenly。
Therewassomethinginhisintonation，inthesoundsofthelongsentencesheused，thatstartledthetwowhites。Itwaslikeareminiscenceofsomethingnotexactlyfamiliar，andyetresemblingthespeechofcivilizedmen。Itsoundedlikeoneofthoseimpossiblelanguageswhichsometimeswehearinourdreams。
\"Whatlingoisthat？\"saidtheamazedCarlier。\"InthefirstmomentI
fanciedthefellowwasgoingtospeakFrench。Anyway，itisadifferentkindofgibberishtowhatweeverheard。\"
\"Yes，\"repliedKayerts。\"Hey，Makola，whatdoeshesay？Wheredotheycomefrom？Whoarethey？\"
ButMakola，whoseemedtobestandingonhotbricks，answeredhurriedly，\"Idon’tknow。Theycomefromveryfar。PerhapsMrs。Pricewillunderstand。Theyareperhapsbadmen。\"
Theleader，afterwaitingforawhile，saidsomethingsharplytoMakola，whoshookhishead。Thentheman，afterlookinground，noticedMakola’shutandwalkedoverthere。ThenextmomentMrs。Makolawasheardspeakingwithgreatvolubility。Theotherstrangers——theyweresixinall——strolledaboutwithanairofease，puttheirheadsthroughthedoorofthestoreroom，congregatedroundthegrave，pointedunderstandinglyatthecross，andgenerallymadethemselvesathome。
\"Idon’tlikethosechaps——and，Isay，Kayerts，theymustbefromthecoast；they’vegotfirearms，\"observedthesagaciousCarlier。
Kayertsalsodidnotlikethosechaps。Theyboth，forthefirsttime，becameawarethattheylivedinconditionswheretheunusualmaybedangerous，andthattherewasnopoweronearthoutsideofthemselvestostandbetweenthemandtheunusual。Theybecameuneasy，wentinandloadedtheirrevolvers。Kayertssaid，\"WemustorderMakolatotellthemtogoawaybeforedark。\"
Thestrangersleftintheafternoon，aftereatingamealpreparedforthembyMrs。Makola。Theimmensewomanwasexcited，andtalkedmuchwiththevisitors。Sherattledawayshrilly，pointinghereandthereattheforestsandattheriver。Makolasatapartandwatched。Attimeshegotupandwhisperedtohiswife。Heaccompaniedthestrangersacrosstheravineatthebackofthestation-ground，andreturnedslowlylookingverythoughtful。Whenquestionedbythewhitemenhewasverystrange，seemednottounderstand，seemedtohaveforgottenFrench——seemedtohaveforgottenhowtospeakaltogether。
KayertsandCarlieragreedthattheniggerhadhadtoomuchpalmwine。
Therewassometalkaboutkeepingawatchinturn，butintheeveningeverythingseemedsoquietandpeacefulthattheyretiredasusual。
Allnighttheyweredisturbedbyalotofdrumminginthevillages。A
deep，rapidrollnearbywouldbefollowedbyanotherfaroff——thenallceased。Soonshortappealswouldrattleouthereandthere，thenallmingletogether，increase，becomevigorousandsustained，wouldspreadoutovertheforest，rollthroughthenight，unbrokenandceaseless，nearandfar，asifthewholelandhadbeenoneimmensedrumboomingoutsteadilyanappealtoheaven。Andthroughthedeepandtremendousnoisesuddenyellsthatresembledsnatchesofsongsfromamadhousedartedshrillandhighindiscordantjetsofsoundwhichseemedtorushfarabovetheearthanddriveallpeacefromunderthestars。
CarlierandKayertssleptbadly。Theyboththoughttheyhadheardshotsfiredduringthenight——buttheycouldnotagreeastothedirection。InthemorningMakolawasgonesomewhere。Hereturnedaboutnoonwithoneofyesterday’sstrangers，andeludedallKayerts’
attemptstoclosewithhim：hadbecomedeafapparently。Kayertswondered。Carlier，whohadbeenfishingoffthebank，camebackandremarkedwhileheshowedhiscatch，\"Theniggersseemtobeinadeuceofastir；Iwonderwhat’sup。IsawaboutfifteencanoescrosstheriverduringthetwohoursIwastherefishing。\"Kayerts，worried，said，\"Isn’tthisMakolaveryqueerto-day？\"Carlieradvised，\"Keepallourmentogetherincaseofsometrouble。\"
II
ThereweretenstationmenwhohadbeenleftbytheDirector。Thosefellows，havingengagedthemselvestotheCompanyforsixmonths（withouthavinganyideaofamonthinparticularandonlyaveryfaintnotionoftimeingeneral），hadbeenservingthecauseofprogressforupwardsoftwoyears。Belongingtoatribefromaverydistantpartofthelandofdarknessandsorrow，theydidnotrunaway，naturallysupposingthataswanderingstrangerstheywouldbekilledbytheinhabitantsofthecountry；inwhichtheywereright。
Theylivedinstrawhutsontheslopeofaravineovergrownwithreedygrass，justbehindthestationbuildings。Theywerenothappy，regrettingthefestiveincantations，thesorceries，thehumansacrificesoftheirownland；wheretheyalsohadparents，brothers，sisters，admiredchiefs，respectedmagicians，lovedfriends，andothertiessupposedgenerallytobehuman。Besides，thericerationsservedoutbytheCompanydidnotagreewiththem，beingafoodunknowntotheirland，andtowhichtheycouldnotgetused。Consequentlytheywereunhealthyandmiserable。Hadtheybeenofanyothertribetheywouldhavemadeuptheirmindstodie——fornothingiseasiertocertainsavagesthansuicide——andsohaveescapedfromthepuzzlingdifficultiesofexistence。Butbelonging，astheydid，toawarliketribewithfiledteeth，theyhadmoregrit，andwentonstupidlylivingthroughdiseaseandsorrow。Theydidverylittlework，andhadlosttheirsplendidphysique。CarlierandKayertsdoctoredthemassiduouslywithoutbeingabletobringthembackintoconditionagain。Theyweremusteredeverymorningandtoldofftodifferenttasks——grass-cutting，fence-building，tree-felling，&c。，&c。，whichnopoweronearthcouldinducethemtoexecuteefficiently。Thetwowhiteshadpracticallyverylittlecontroloverthem。
IntheafternoonMakolacameovertothebighouseandfoundKayertswatchingthreeheavycolumnsofsmokerisingabovetheforests。\"Whatisthat？\"askedKayerts。\"Somevillagesburn，\"answeredMakola，whoseemedtohaveregainedhiswits。Thenhesaidabruptly：\"Wehavegotverylittleivory；badsixmonths’trading。Doyoulikegetalittlemoreivory？\"
\"Yes，\"saidKayerts，eagerly。Hethoughtofpercentageswhichwerelow。
\"ThosemenwhocameyesterdayaretradersfromLoandawhohavegotmoreivorythantheycancarryhome。ShallIbuy？Iknowtheircamp。\"
\"Certainly，\"saidKayerts。\"Whatarethosetraders？\"
\"Badfellows，\"saidMakola，indifferently。\"Theyfightwithpeople，andcatchwomenandchildren。Theyarebadmen，andgotguns。Thereisagreatdisturbanceinthecountry。Doyouwantivory？\"
\"Yes，\"saidKayerts。Makolasaidnothingforawhile。Then：\"Thoseworkmenofoursarenogoodatall，\"hemuttered，lookinground。
\"Stationinverybadorder，sir。Directorwillgrowl。Bettergetafinelotofivory，thenhesaynothing。\"
\"Ican’thelpit；themenwon’twork，\"saidKayerts。\"Whenwillyougetthativory？\"
\"Verysoon，\"saidMakola。\"Perhapsto-night。Youleaveittome，andkeepindoors，sir。Ithinkyouhadbettergivesomepalmwinetoourmentomakeadancethisevening。Enjoythemselves。Workbetterto-morrow。There’splentypalmwine——gonealittlesour。\"
Kayertssaid\"yes，\"andMakola，withhisownhandscarriedbigcalabashestothedoorofhishut。Theystoodtheretilltheevening，andMrs。Makolalookedintoeveryone。Themengotthematsunset。
WhenKayertsandCarlierretired，abigbonfirewasflaringbeforethemen’shuts。Theycouldheartheirshoutsanddrumming。SomemenfromGobila’svillagehadjoinedthestationhands，andtheentertainmentwasagreatsuccess。
Inthemiddleofthenight，Carlierwakingsuddenly，heardamanshoutloudly；thenashotwasfired。Onlyone。CarlierranoutandmetKayertsontheverandah。Theywerebothstartled。AstheywentacrosstheyardtocallMakola，theysawshadowsmovinginthenight。Oneofthemcried，\"Don’tshoot！It’sme，Price。\"ThenMakolaappearedclosetothem。\"Goback，goback，please，\"heurged，\"youspoilall。\"\"Therearestrangemenabout，\"saidCarlier。\"Nevermind；Iknow，\"saidMakola。Thenhewhispered，\"Allright。Bringivory。Saynothing！I
knowmybusiness。\"Thetwowhitemenreluctantlywentbacktothehouse，butdidnotsleep。Theyheardfootsteps，whispers，somegroans。
Itseemedasifalotofmencamein，dumpedheavythingsontheground，squabbledalongtime，thenwentaway。Theylayontheirhardbedsandthought：\"ThisMakolaisinvaluable。\"InthemorningCarliercameout，verysleepy，andpulledatthecordofthebigbell。Thestationhandsmusteredeverymorningtothesoundofthebell。Thatmorningnobodycame。Kayertsturnedoutalso，yawning。AcrosstheyardtheysawMakolacomeoutofhishut，atinbasinofsoapywaterinhishand。Makola，acivilizednigger，wasveryneatinhisperson。Hethrewthesoapsudsskilfullyoverawretchedlittleyellowcurhehad，thenturninghisfacetotheagent’shouse，heshoutedfromthedistance，\"Allthemengonelastnight！\"
Theyheardhimplainly，butintheirsurprisetheybothyelledouttogether：\"What！\"Thentheystaredatoneanother。\"Weareinaproperfixnow，\"growledCarlier。\"It’sincredible！\"mutteredKayerts。\"I
willgotothehutsandsee，\"saidCarlier，stridingoff。MakolacomingupfoundKayertsstandingalone。
\"Icanhardlybelieveit，\"saidKayerts，tearfully。\"Wetookcareofthemasiftheyhadbeenourchildren。\"
\"Theywentwiththecoastpeople，\"saidMakolaafteramomentofhesitation。
\"WhatdoIcarewithwhomtheywent——theungratefulbrutes！\"
exclaimedtheother。Thenwithsuddensuspicion，andlookinghardatMakola，headded：\"Whatdoyouknowaboutit？\"
Makolamovedhisshoulders，lookingdownontheground。\"WhatdoI
know？Ithinkonly。WillyoucomeandlookattheivoryI’vegotthere？Itisafinelot。Youneversawsuch。\"
Hemovedtowardsthestore。Kayertsfollowedhimmechanically，thinkingabouttheincredibledesertionofthemen。Onthegroundbeforethedoorofthefetishlaysixsplendidtusks。
\"Whatdidyougiveforit？\"askedKayerts，aftersurveyingthelotwithsatisfaction。
\"Noregulartrade，\"saidMakola。\"Theybroughttheivoryandgaveittome。Itoldthemtotakewhattheymostwantedinthestation。Itisabeautifullot。Nostationcanshowsuchtusks。Thosetraderswantedcarriersbadly，andourmenwerenogoodhere。Notrade，noentryinbooks：allcorrect。\"
Kayertsnearlyburstwithindignation。\"Why！\"heshouted，\"Ibelieveyouhavesoldourmenforthesetusks！\"Makolastoodimpassiveandsilent。\"I——I——will——I，\"stutteredKayerts。\"Youfiend！\"heyelledout。
\"IdidthebestforyouandtheCompany，\"saidMakola，imperturbably。
\"Whyyoushoutsomuch？Lookatthistusk。\"
\"Idismissyou！Iwillreportyou——Iwon’tlookatthetusk。Iforbidyoutotouchthem。Iorderyoutothrowthemintotheriver。
You——you！\"
\"Youveryred，Mr。Kayerts。Ifyouaresoirritableinthesun，youwillgetfeveranddie——likethefirstchief！\"pronouncedMakolaimpressively。
Theystoodstill，contemplatingoneanotherwithintenseeyes，asiftheyhadbeenlookingwitheffortacrossimmensedistances。Kayertsshivered。Makolahadmeantnomorethanhesaid，buthiswordsseemedtoKayertsfullofominousmenace！Heturnedsharplyandwentawaytothehouse。Makolaretiredintothebosomofhisfamily；andthetusks，leftlyingbeforethestore，lookedverylargeandvaluableinthesunshine。
Carliercamebackontheverandah。\"They’reallgone，hey？\"askedKayertsfromthefarendofthecommonroominamuffledvoice。\"Youdidnotfindanybody？\"
\"Oh，yes，\"saidCarlier，\"IfoundoneofGobila’speoplelyingdeadbeforethehuts——shotthroughthebody。Weheardthatshotlastnight。\"
Kayertscameoutquickly。Hefoundhiscompanionstaringgrimlyovertheyardatthetusks，awaybythestore。Theybothsatinsilenceforawhile。ThenKayertsrelatedhisconversationwithMakola。Carliersaidnothing。Atthemiddaymealtheyateverylittle。Theyhardlyexchangedawordthatday。Agreatsilenceseemedtolieheavilyoverthestationandpressontheirlips。Makoladidnotopenthestore；hespentthedayplayingwithhischildren。Helayfull-lengthonamatoutsidehisdoor，andtheyoungsterssatonhischestandclamberedalloverhim。Itwasatouchingpicture。Mrs。Makolawasbusycookingallday，asusual。Thewhitemenmadeasomewhatbettermealintheevening。Afterwards，Carliersmokinghispipestrolledovertothestore；hestoodforalongtimeoverthetusks，touchedoneortwowithhisfoot，eventriedtoliftthelargestonebyitssmallend。Hecamebacktohischief，whohadnotstirredfromtheverandah，threwhimselfinthechairandsaid——
\"Icanseeit！Theywerepounceduponwhiletheysleptheavilyafterdrinkingallthatpalmwineyou’veallowedMakolatogivethem。A
put-upjob！See？Theworstis，someofGobila’speoplewerethere，andgotcarriedofftoo，nodoubt。Theleastdrunkwokeup，andgotshotforhissobriety。Thisisafunnycountry。Whatwillyoudonow？\"
\"Wecan’ttouchit，ofcourse，\"saidKayerts。
\"Ofcoursenot，\"assentedCarlier。
\"Slaveryisanawfulthing，\"stammeredoutKayertsinanunsteadyvoice。
\"Frightful——thesufferings，\"gruntedCarlierwithconviction。
Theybelievedtheirwords。Everybodyshowsarespectfuldeferencetocertainsoundsthatheandhisfellowscanmake。Butaboutfeelingspeoplereallyknownothing。Wetalkwithindignationorenthusiasm；wetalkaboutoppression，cruelty，crime，devotion，self-sacrifice，virtue，andweknownothingrealbeyondthewords。Nobodyknowswhatsufferingorsacrificemean——except，perhapsthevictimsofthemysteriouspurposeoftheseillusions。
NextmorningtheysawMakolaverybusysettingupintheyardthebigscalesusedforweighingivory。ByandbyCarliersaid：\"What’sthatfilthyscoundrelupto？\"andloungedoutintotheyard。Kayertsfollowed。Theystoodwatching。Makolatooknonotice。Whenthebalancewasswungtrue，hetriedtoliftatuskintothescale。Itwastooheavy。Helookeduphelplesslywithoutaword，andforaminutetheystoodroundthatbalanceasmuteandstillasthreestatues。SuddenlyCarliersaid：\"Catchholdoftheotherend，Makola——youbeast！\"andtogethertheyswungthetuskup。Kayertstrembledineverylimb。Hemuttered，\"Isay！O！Isay！\"andputtinghishandinhispocketfoundthereadirtybitofpaperandthestumpofapencil。Heturnedhisbackontheothers，asifabouttodosomethingtricky，andnotedstealthilytheweightswhichCarliershoutedouttohimwithunnecessaryloudness。WhenallwasoverMakolawhisperedtohimself：
\"Thesun’sverystronghereforthetusks。\"CarliersaidtoKayertsinacarelesstone：\"Isay，chief，Imightjustaswellgivehimaliftwiththislotintothestore。\"
AstheyweregoingbacktothehouseKayertsobservedwithasigh：
\"Ithadtobedone。\"AndCarliersaid：\"It’sdeplorable，but，themenbeingCompany’smentheivoryisCompany’sivory。Wemustlookafterit。\"\"IwillreporttotheDirector，ofcourse，\"saidKayerts。\"Ofcourse；lethimdecide，\"approvedCarlier。
Atmiddaytheymadeaheartymeal。Kayertssighedfromtimetotime。
