That is why we bought the _Jessie_.

We wanted to select our own labour.

In another year the time will be up for most of the original gang.

You see, they were recruited during the first year of Berande, and their contracts expire on different months.

Naturally, they have contaminated the new boys to a certain extent; but that can soon be remedied, and then Berande will be a respectable plantation." Joan nodded but remained silent.