The Yellow God: An Idol of Africa — H. Rider Haggard

The hero of the story is Alan Vernon, a young retired army major, who, after undergoing financial ruin, decides to travel to Africa to make his fortune, in hopes of eventually winning the hand of beautiful Barbara Champers-Haswell. Vernon has heard of a mysterious kingdom ruled by the priestess and plans to help himself to the gold found there. Like most of Haggard's works, The Yellow God is a thrilling adventure novel.