ss to transact than I could manage single-handed,
and had a large sum in hand after paying off all my accounts at Durban
and the cost of transporting the goods. Next year my wife became my
partner and helper in more ways than one. We carried on the store
between us, and from that date we have prospered beyond our wildest
hopes. I have built this house and the large buildings of the store.
There are funds of mine invested in the diamond mines at Kimberley, not
to mention the gold diggings here, and every year almost I and my
partners in the mines industry buy up mining rights in other parts.

"Thus you will see that a war will mean practical ruin for all, unless,
of course, we beat these Boers and annex their country. Even then we
cannot fail to be heavy losers.

"If it does come to blows I shall stay here as long as possible, and
then I shall enlist in some of the volunteer corps of Colonials, which
are certain to be called for. Possibly I shall obtain a commission, and
in any case, my boys, I can promise you you shall get some post which
will give you a share in the campaign.

"And now to return to you, Jack. I strongly advise you to leave for
England. Unfortunately you have quarrelled with Piet Maartens, who is a
dangerous young fellow; and now, by no fault of your own, you have
become a marked man. I tell you your life will be in real danger from
this moment, and I strongly advise you to get away."

"Yes, I realise that I shall be no special favourite of the Boers after
this," Jack replied quietly; "but, whatever happens, I am not going to
clear out of the country for Piet Maartens or any of his class. There
is a deep game being played, and I think the information I can give
ought to be passed on to the British consul here, and so to the
Government. Also, there is likely to be some kind of a row pretty soon,
and by what you have told me, Mr Hunter, I expect it is going to be a
precious big one. At any rate there is likely to be some kind of
excitement, and I am going to stay to see the fun. Johnny's Burg is
likely to be too hot for me, and since I am not particularly anxious to
get a bullet between my ribs, I think I will slip away at once for
Kimberley, where I am certain to be safe."

"Do so, Jack, and at once too," said Mr Hunter earnestly. "Take my
advice and go immediately. Call on Tom Salter when you reach the
diamond mines, and he will give you something to do. If there is
trouble here I wi