Before he had time to observe any more the two parties had met.
"What on earth is the matter, Bessie ?" Jess said, with a quick glance at her sister's companion, and speaking in a low full voice, with just a slight South African accent, that is taking enough in a pretty woman.
Thereon Bessie broke out with a history of their adventure, appealing to Captain Niel for confirmation at intervals.
Meanwhile Jess Croft stood quite still and silent, and it struck John that her face was the most singularly impassive one he had ever seen.

It never changed, even when her sister told her how the ostrich rolled on her and nearly killed her, or how they finally subdued the foe.

"Dear me," he thought to herself, "what a very strange woman! She can't have much heart." But just as he thought it the girl looked up, and then he saw where the expression lay.

It was in those remarkable eyes.

Immovable as was her face, the dark eyes were alight with life and a suppressed excitement that made them shine gloriously.