heer Van Ormon stepped up to the door of the hut and commanded the
Kaffir to come forth.

When Congo showed himself at the entrance, Willem apologised to him for
the harsh language he had used, and, in the same manner as one friend
should speak to another, entreated him to forget and forgive, and return
with them to Graaf Reinet.

During this colloquy the sharp eyes of the boer were glancing from
master to servant, as though he knew what the result would be. They
showed a gleam of satisfaction as the Kaffir declared that he preferred
remaining with his new master; and the only favour he now asked of
Willem was some compensation for his past services.

Had Congo been one of the brothers, Hans or Hendrik Von Bloom, Willem
could not have done more towards effecting a reconciliation. At length,
becoming indignant at the unaccountable conduct of his old servitor, he
turned scornfully away, and, along with Hendrik and Arend, entered the
house.

After seeing a joint of cold boiled beef, a loaf of brown bread, and a
bottle of Cape wine placed before his guests, the boer went out again.

Hastily repairing to one of the sheds, he there found a Hottentot
servant at hard work in saddling one of his horse.

"Piet," said he, speaking in great haste, "quick, mine poy! chump into
your saddle, and ride out to the north till you meet mine bruder and
Shames. Tell them not to come more so near as half a mile to the house
for one hour. Make haste an' pe off!"

Two minutes more and the Hottentot was on the horse, galloping away in
the direction given to him.

Having satisfied their hunger, thanked their host and his fat vrow for
their hospitality, and bidden them farewell, our adventurers started off
for the South, anxious to rejoin Hans, and continue the search after the
giraffes.

CHAPTER SIXTY SEVEN.

WHY CONGO TURNED TRAITOR.

Unwilling to trespass any longer on the hospitality of Mynheer Van
Ormon, Hans had left the house with the intention to encamp somewhere
near it, and wait for the return of his companions.

To this the boer had made but little opposition, and his guest proceeded
to prepare the Makololo for a removal. They were still suffering all
the horrors of a recovery from their first spell of intoxication, and,
on entering the hut where they had passed the night, Hans found them
full of that species of repentance that leads to strong resolutions of
future reformation.

On being informed of the loss of