92
OLD RELIABLE IN AFRICA
on his grip-sack, and commenced smoothing out the broad-brimmed hat.
The Olga moved shoreward, grated against the stone wharf, and tied fore and aft. Swarms of porters clambered aboard. Passengers began filing down the narrow gangway. Two British officers with their servants met Colonel Spottiswoode and relieved him of all custom-house annoyances. Lykoff carried a small satchel in his hand and was watching for his heavier baggage which never appeared. He had almost minded to go ashore without his trunks when Gargarin quietly took the satchel from him. "I'll take charge of this—and of you."
"Very good," assented Lykoff.
