But he has a nasty temper, as have all these cross-breeds, so I hope he won't get wrong with that native who carries a big axe." "I hope so too, for his own sake," I replied emphatically.
The Captain led the way into the sitting-room; there was but one in the house.

It proved a queer kind of place with rude furniture seated with strips of hide after the Boer fashion, and yet bearing a certain air of refinement which was doubtless due to Inez, who, with the assistance of a stout native girl, was already engaged in setting the table.
Thus there was a shelf with books, Shakespeare was one of these, I noticed--over which hung an ivory crucifix, which suggested that Inez was a Catholic.

On the walls, too, were some good portraits, and on the window-ledge a jar full of flowers.

Also the forks and spoons were of silver, as were the mugs, and engraved with a tremendous coat-of-arms and a Portuguese motto.
Presently the food appeared, which was excellent and plentiful, and the Captain, his daughter and I sat down and ate.

I noted that he drank gin and water, an innocent-looking beverage but strong as he took it.