DINGO'S S AG AGIT Y. 57

Society of Paris» set out for the purpose of crossîng Africa from west to east. His starting-point was the moutb of the Congo, and his exit was designed to be as near as possible to Cape ^ Deldago, at the mouth of the River Rovuma, of which he was to ascertain the true course. The name of this man was Samuel Vernon, and I confess it strikes me as somewhat a strange coïncidence that the letters engraved on Dingo's coUar should be Vernon's initiais." "Is nothing known about thîs traveller?" asked Mrs. Weldon.

• Nothing was ever heard of him after his first departure

It appears quite certain that he failed to reach the east coast, and it can only be conjectured either that he died upon his wày, or that he was made prisoner by the natives ; and if so, and this dog ever belonged to him, the animal might hâve made his way back to the sea-coast, where, just about the time that would be likely, the captain of the * Waldeck * picked him up."

• • But you hâve no reason to suppose, Captain HuU, that

Vcrnon ever owned a dog of this description ? " " I own I never heard of it/' said the captain ; " but still the impression fixes itself on my mind that the dog must hâve been his ; how he came to know one letter from another, it is not for me to prétend to say. Look at him now, madam ! he seems not only to be readîng the letters for himself, but to be inviting us to corne and read them with him." Whilst Mrs. Weldon was watching the dog with much amusement, Dick Sands, who had listened to the previous conversation, took the opportunity of asking the captain whether tfie traveller Vernon had started on his expédition quite alone.

• • That is really more than I can tell you, my boy,"

answered Captain HuU ; but I should almost take it for granted that he would hâve a considérable retinue of natives." The captain spoke without being aware that Negoro had meanwbile quietly stolen on deck. At first Ys ipt^^^tvc,^