So Chike’s adventure on the River Niger brought him close to danger and then rewarded him with good fortune… — Chinua Achebe

After the incident of the leopard skin Chike lost some of his eagerness for crossing the Niger. He did not see how he could obtain one shilling without stealing or begging.

The largest sum of money he had ever had at one time was threepence.

In his joy, he said again, ‘Thank you, sir.’ The man did not reply; he was talking to his friend again, with a cigarette in his mouth.