You are to be assistant storekeeper at--' (my uncle fumbled in his pocket, and then read from the yellow slip) 'at Blaauwildebeestefontein.

There's a mouthful for you.' In this homely way I first heard of a place which was to be the theatre of so many strange doings.
'It's a fine chance for you,' my uncle continued.

'You'll only be assistant at first, but when you have learned your job you'll have a store of your own.

Mackenzie's people will pay you three hundred pounds a year, and when you get a store you'll get a percentage on sales.

It lies with you to open up new trade among the natives.