sun-baked _veldt_. But in vain. No help
need be looked for from outside. He resolved to make one more appeal to
reason.

"Look here," he began.

But the other stopped him short.

"Shut up. We don't want any more _indaba_. Are you going to fork out
or are you not? because, if not, we are going to take your horse and
yourselves too. There are enough of us, you see."

"Possibly there are," said Gerard. "But before you attempt anything
foolish, just hear what I've got to say. My name's Ridgeley, and--"

"Eh? What!" The other was staring at him open-mouthed now. "What did
you say your name was?"

"Ridgeley--Gerard Ridgeley," was the reply, in some astonishment at the
sadden transition in the other's demeanour.

"Why on earth didn't you say so before?"

"Well, I tried to, but you wouldn't let me get in a word edgeways.
Isn't there a Mr Anstey living somewhere about here? Umjilo is the
name of his place, I believe."

"Quite right, Gerard, quite right. There is. _I'm_ Mr Anstey, and
yonder's Umjilo"--pointing to the house before referred to. "And so
you're young Ridgeley! Well, well!"

Gerard started and stared, then stared again. His countenance exhibited
surprise, relief, amazement, but no satisfaction; relief at this
fortunate termination of their difference, yet a profound sense of
disappointment. That this seedy, disreputable-looking rowdy should turn
out to be the relative of whom he was in search was something of a
shock, and that such a specimen as this should have it in its power to
advance his prospects in life seemed incredible. His hopes sank to
zero.

"Lord, now, to think of that!" went on Anstey. "And to think how near
we came to punching each other's heads! You'd never have dreamt it, eh,
Gerard? I'm a bit of a rough chap, I'm afraid. Years of this cursed
country and climate are apt to touch up a man's temper and liver; but I
mean no harm--bless you, no. We haven't shaken hands yet."

Gerard reddened, as he came to himself, and held out his hand eagerly.
Young as he was, his natural acumen had detected a false ring underlying
the assumed heartiness of the other's speech, and he feared by his
manner to show it.

"Now, introduce your friend. Ah, very sorry, sir, we should have had
any difference of opinion. Shake hands and forget all about it. I'll
soon have your horse brought back. And now, come round to the house and
have some dinner. It's a bit rough, maybe, but very