CHAPTER TWO.
THE "KRAAL." The ex-field-cornet was seated in front of his _kraal_--for such is the name of a South African homestead.

From his lips protruded a large pipe, with its huge bowl of _meerschaum_.

Every boor is a smoker.
Notwithstanding the many losses and crosses of his past life, there was contentment in his eye.

He was gratified by the prosperous appearance of his crops.

The maize was now "in the milk," and the ears, folded within the papyrus-like husks, looked full and large.