The Runagates Club is founded after World War One by men who had met each other during the war, generally while engaged in heroic exploits. They take turns telling tales of other adventures they have had. This gives Buchan an opportunity to have several of his series characters -- Richard Hannay, Edward Leithen, Lord Lamancha --and others tell short tales The Richard Hannay story is set in Africa prior to his return to England which led him to The 39 Steps, so it is the earliest bit we have of his career. it involves a very modern Boer young man who unexpectedly reverts to traits of an African ancestor --his family having picked up what Hanny ineleanty calls "a toucvh of the tarburush" at some point. ( )