We're going early." The black nodded his head, and the pair, weary enough now from their long journey, and drowsy after their hearty meal, strode slowly back to the house, to find that the table had been cleared, save that a couple of big bread cakes lay on one end alongside of a little pile of biltong, the sun-dried mahogany-looking strips of ox-flesh so much in use among the rough farmers of the veldt.
The dirty-looking room smelt hot and stuffy, but a little window at the back had been thrown open, and the soft air blowing from off miles of plain made the place a little more bearable.
A common lamp had been lighted, and a streak of light came from beneath the ill-fitting door which led into the other room, from which the low murmur of voices could be heard as the young men entered talking cheerily together.
This announced their return, and the door creaked upon its hinges, giving entrance to the farmer, who pointed to the next day's provisions and significantly held out his hand.
"How much ?" said West, and the man demanded an unconscionable amount, which made the pair exchange glances.

But Ingleborough nodded as much as to say: "Pay the thief!" and the money was handed over and taken with a grunt.

After this the Boer passed into the next room, closing the door after him; but it did not prevent the acid voice of the vrouw from reaching the visitors' ears as if to protest.
"The old scoundrel won't hand over the plunder," said Ingleborough, with a chuckle.

"I hope she'll give him what we didn't--a thorough good tongue-thrashing." He had hardly spoken when he found that he had jumped at a wrong conclusion, for the door was pulled open again and the Boer reappeared.
"Tante Ann says you are to make haste and put out the lamp," he growled, "for she don't want to be burned in her bed." "All right, uncle," replied Ingleborough.

"Good night, and bless you for a fine specimen of the noble, freedom-loving Boer.