HUNTING CHIMPANZEES. 79 



without disturbing my rest. When I did not eat the 

 Scandwich, as was often the case, I would save it for 

 Master Jack. 



One fine morning I put out my hand as usual, but no 

 coffee was there, although I had certainly heard Thursday 

 bring it in a few minutes before. I forgot to speak to 

 him about it during the day, and the next morning the 

 same thing occurred. Thursday came at his regular hour, 

 and two minutes later the coffee had disappeared. I 

 suspected a little darky who brought me my morning 

 bath, and resolved to surprise him in the act and teach 

 him a lesson. The following day when Thursday brought 

 in my tray, he woke me as I had instructed him, and I 

 lay with half-closed eyes ready to jump up at the slightest 

 sound. At the end of five minutes, hearing nothing, T 

 ventured a glance at the bamboo stand, when what was 

 my astonishment to see the cup was empty ! And I had 

 heard and seen no one ! I called Thursday. 



''Where is Tom?" said I. That was the little darky's 

 name. 



" I saw him just now in the kitchen, massa." 



"You did not see him come upstairs?" 



" No, massa. Has Tom taken anything belonging to 

 you?" 



" Look," said I, pointing to the table. " You see, my 

 coffee is gone ! " 



Thursday did not grasp the situation. " Has not massa 

 taken his coffee this morning ? " he inquired blandly. 



