mont at his word,
all the same; wherefore it was just as well that this new arrival had
appeared on the scene when he had.

"What'll you have, Driffield?" said Lamont, as the four sat down to
table a little later--Peters having arrived. "'Tisn't Hobson's choice
this time--it's guinea-fowl or goat ribs."

"The last. They look young. I'll get enough game on patrol."

"Going to look in at Zwabeka's kraal, Driffield?" said Peters presently.

"If I do it'll be on the way back. I've got to meet Ames to-morrow
evening at the Umgwane Drift, and settle which the devil of us Tolozi is
under. Half his people are in Sikumbutana. Ames is quite welcome to
him for me."

"Nice fellow, Ames," said Peters.

"Rather. One of the best we've got, and one of the smartest. He's got
a ticklish district, too, with the whole of Madula's and half Zazwe's
people in it. Hard luck to saddle him with Tolozi into the bargain.
Yes, Ames is a ripping good chap. Been long in this country, Mr
Ancram?"

"Er--no. I've only just come."

"Peters picked him up in the mopani veldt, down Pagadi way, and brought
him on," said Lamont. "He was nearly dead of thirst."

"And something else" is how the whimsical look which puckered the quaint
countenance of Peters might have been interpreted. Driffield whistled.

"You were in luck's way, Mr Ancram," he said. "That's an awful bit of
country. More than one man has gone missing there and never been heard
of again." And the whimsicality of Peters' look was enhanced.

"I suppose you haven't seen much of the country then?" went on
Driffield. "I wonder if you'd care to come along with me now. I could
show you a pretty wild slice of it, and any number of Matabele at home,
into the bargain."

"There's your chance, Ancram," cried Peters. "By Jove! there's your
chance."

"I should like it. But--er--is it safe?" replied Ancram, bearing in
mind Lamont's remarks the night of his arrival. Driffield stared, then
choked down his efforts not to splutter.

"Safe?" he said. "Well, I've got a life to lose, and so has Ames. And
we neither of us expect to lose it just yet."

"Yes; I'd like to come, but--I've no horse."

"Daresay I can lend you one," said Lamont. "You'll want a couple of
blankets too. How are your donkeys loaded, Driffield?"

"Lightly loaded, so that won't be in the way. Very well, then. Can you
be ready in an hour's time?"

"Oh, there's no such hurry, Driffield," urged Peters