'My name is Arcoll, Captain James Arcoll.
I am speaking to Mr Crawfurd, the storekeeper, and Mr Wardlaw, the schoolmaster, of Blaauwildebeestefontein.

Where, by the way, is Mr Peter Japp?
Drunk?
Ah, yes, it was always his failing.

The quorum, however, is complete without him.' By this time it was about sunset, and I remember I cocked my ear to hear the drums beat.

Captain Arcoll noticed the movement as he noticed all else.

'You're listening for the drums, but you won't hear them.
That business is over here.