But scrape in the spruit if you like; you'll maybe find some garnets.' He choked down his wrath, and tried a new tack.

'What will you take to hold your tongue?
I'll make you a rich man if you'll come in with me.' And then he started with offers which showed that he had been making a good thing out of the traffic.
I stalked over to him, and took him by the shoulder.

'You old reprobate,' I roared, 'if you breathe such a proposal to me again, I'll tie you up like a sack and carry you to Pietersdorp.' At this he broke down and wept maudlin tears, disgusting to witness.
He said he was an old man who had always lived honestly, and it would break his heart if his grey hairs were to be disgraced.

As he sat rocking himself with his hands over his face, I saw his wicked little eyes peering through the slits of his fingers to see what my next move would be.
'See here, Mr Japp,' I said, 'I'm not a police spy, and it's no business of mine to inform against you.

I'm willing to keep you out of gaol, but it must be on my own conditions.