He was a Bechuana by birth, a good hunter, and for a native a very clever man.

That morning on which Mr.Neville was starting I saw Jim standing by my wagon and cutting up tobacco on the disselboom.
"'Jim,' said I, 'where are you off to this trip?
It is elephants ?' "'No, Baas,' he answered, 'we are after something worth much more than ivory.' "'And what might that be ?' I said, for I was curious.

'Is it gold ?' "'No, Baas, something worth more than gold,' and he grinned.
"I asked no more questions, for I did not like to lower my dignity by seeming inquisitive, but I was puzzled.

Presently Jim finished cutting his tobacco.
"'Baas,' said he.
"I took no notice.
"'Baas,' said he again.
"'Eh, boy, what is it ?' I asked.
"'Baas, we are going after diamonds.' "'Diamonds! why, then, you are steering in the wrong direction; you should head for the Fields.' "'Baas, have you ever heard of Suliman's Berg ?'--that is, Solomon's Mountains, Sir Henry.
"'Ay!' "'Have you ever heard of the diamonds there ?' "'I have heard a foolish story, Jim.' "'It is no story, Baas.

Once I knew a woman who came from there, and reached Natal with her child, she told me:--she is dead now.' "'Your master will feed the assvoegels'-- that is, vultures--'Jim, if he tries to reach Suliman's country, and so will you if they can get any pickings off your worthless old carcass,' said I.
"He grinned.