An Outpost of Progress by Joseph Conrad: Part 2 of 2

The story of two European men who are assigned to a trading post in a remote part of the African Jungle. Through ivory trading, they hope to benefit themselves and the company for which they work. With no specific tasks or important things to be done, they are confronted with moral dilemmas, as well as stress and demoralization. A native named Makola, serving as their bookkeeper, has unscrupulous plans of his own.
Conrad considered this his best tale, owing to its 'scrupulousness of tone' and 'severity of discipline.'