There was no time to lose for the two in the outhouse would soon be setting out, and I must be before them.
With no better light than a ray of the moon through the window, I wrote a message on a leaf from my pocket-book.

I told of the plans I had overheard, and especially I mentioned Dupree's Drift on the Letaba.

I added that I was going to the Rooirand to find the secret of the cave, and in one final sentence implored Arcoll to do justice on the Portugoose.

That was all, for I had no time for more.

I carefully tied the paper with a string below the collar of the dog.
Then very quietly I went into the bedroom next door--the side of the store farthest from the outhouse.