What steps ought I to take first in my present condition ?" She looked at me, all brown with the dust of my long ride.

"I would suggest," she said slowly, "a good wash, and some dinner." "Hilda," I cried, surveying my boots, or what was visible of them, "that is REALLY clever of you.

A wash and some dinner! So practical, so timely! The very thing! I will see to it." Before night fell, I had arranged everything.

I was to buy the next farm from the owner of the one where Hilda lodged; I was also to learn the rudiments of South African agriculture from him for a valuable consideration; and I was to lodge in his house while my own was building.

He gave me his views on the cultivation of oats.