In the end we returned safely to Durban, and here I came to the conclusion that never again would I risk my life on such mad expeditions.
Owing to circumstances which I have detailed elsewhere I was now in possession of a considerable sum of cash, and this I determined to lay out in such a fashion as to make me independent of hunting and trading in the wilder regions of Africa.

As usual when money is forthcoming, an opportunity soon presented itself in the shape of a gold mine which had been discovered on the borders of Zululand, one of the first that was ever found in those districts.

A Jew trader named Jacob brought it to my notice and offered me a half share if I would put up the capital necessary to work the mine.

I made a journey of inspection and convinced myself that it was indeed a wonderful proposition.

I need not enter into the particulars nor, to tell the truth, have I any desire to do so, for the subject is still painful to me, further than to say that this Jew and some friends of his panned out visible gold before my eyes and then revealed to me the magnificent quartz reef from which, as they demonstrated, it had been washed in the bygone ages of the world.