"Well, perhaps you will dispute the story also.
But the question is, will you be believed when I give the proofs ?" "Ever heard of the Statute of Limitations, Mr.Quatermain ?" he asked with a sneer.
"Not where character is concerned," I replied stoutly.

"Now, what are you going to do ?" He reflected for a moment, and answered: "Look here, Mr.Quatermain, you were always a bit of a sportsman, and I'll make you an offer.

If I kill more birds than you do to-day, you shall promise to hold your tongue about my affairs in South Africa; and if you kill more than I do, you shall still hold your tongue, but I will pay you that L250 and interest for six years." I also reflected for a moment, knowing that the man had something up his sleeve.

Of course, I could refuse and make a scandal.

But that was not in my line, and would not bring me nearer my L250, which, if I chanced to win, might find its way back to me.
"All right, done!" I said.
"What is your bet, Sir Junius ?" asked Lord Ragnall, who was approaching again.
"It is rather a long story," he answered, "but, to put it shortly, years ago, when I was travelling in Africa, Mr.Quatermain and I had a dispute as to a sum of L5 which he thought I owed him, and to save argument about a trifle we have agreed that I should shoot against him for it to-day." "Indeed," said Lord Ragnall rather seriously, for I could see that he did not believe Van Koop's statement as to the amount of the bet; perhaps he had heard more than we thought.