f it isn't Halse. How are you, Halse?"

"How's yourself, Starmer? And you, James?" and there was general
handshaking all round. "Pleased to meet you, sir," he went on, as
Denham's introduction was effected. Then, to the native bar-tender,
"Mabule. Set 'em up again. Here's luck."

"He's staying at our shop, Halse," said James, "so you'll be able
to-stroll back together. I shall have to be a bit late, I'm afraid. So
long."

"Well, it's time we did stroll back, then," said Halse, looking at the
clock. "I just thought I'd drop in and see who was alive or dead.
Ready, Mr Denham?"

"Quite."

"I was a good bit surprised to get your letter saying you were actually
here," began Ben Halse, when they were outside. "I'm rather of a
cautious disposition--suspicious, some folks call it, but it's the
upshot of experience, so I avoided any reference to our ever having
heard of each other before."

"I'm afraid I've given the show away, then, Mr Halse, for only this
morning I was asking them at the hotel where you were to be found."

"Ah, well; it can't be helped. Besides, it doesn't greatly matter."

Denham had been sizing up this new--yet not new--acquaintance, and the
process took no time at all. His impression, at first sight, was
altogether a favourable one. They had been in correspondence together--
had done business together--for quite a long time, and often had he
speculated as to the up-country trader's individual personality. One
thing was certain--the man beside him had always been as
straightforward, in all their dealings, as any one could be.

"I've got a rare record head for you now, Mr Denham," went on Ben
Halse. "A koodoo bull. Just as I'd got it, I got your letter, saying
you were here. I thought I'd drive in, and if you care to come and stay
out at my place a bit I'm sure you'd find a lot to interest you. It's
precious wild and also a bit rough, but if you can put up with that,
you're very welcome. By the way, don't say a word to any one here or
anywhere else about the head. The Lumisana's a royal preserve, and
there's a hundred pound fine for shooting anything there without a
permit."

"By Jove! is there?" answered Denham, his interest kindling. "I'll keep
dark, never fear. I shall be delighted, though, to take up your invite.
Here we are at the Nodwengu."

"_Amakosi_!"

It was the same Zulu Denham had noticed when with Inspector James. Him
Halse now stopped, and began conversing