But never mind that, I got it, as you know, and it will be my care to escort you safely to Mooifontein." Jess bowed, and Muller turned to John, who had risen from his chair and was standing some two paces away, and addressed him.

"Captain Niel," he said, "you and I have had some differences in the past.

I hope that the service I am doing you will prove that I, for one, bear no malice.

I will go farther.

As I told you before, I was to blame in that affair in the inn-yard at Wakkerstroom.