team of oxen
slowly moved away, guided by the two Kaffir boys.

Emson and Dyke sat watching the wagon for some time, but the old man did
not look back, and as Dyke sat gazing, he said to himself:

"I suppose it is the German custom. It seems queer to me, but I don't
think I minded it so much just then."

"What are you thinking about, little un?" said Emson huskily.

"That old Morgenstern must be a very good old man. I wish he wouldn't
kiss me, all the same, and make me laugh at his ways."

"It is only at his words and looks, Dyke. God bless him! We neither of
us smile at him in our hearts."

The sun was setting as they walked their horses up toward the
shabby-looking corrugated iron buildings; but now, in the evening light,
everything seemed glorified, and they drew rein to look around, neither
speaking for some time.

It was Dyke who broke the silence.

"You are tired out and done up, Joe," he said. "Let's get in, so that
you can have some tea, and lie down and rest."

Emson started from his reverie, and there was a bright light in his
eyes, a smile upon his lip, which made Dyke's heart leap with pleasure,
while, when he spoke, his words sounded almost as they did of old.

"Tired, little un," he said, "and so stiff that you'll have to help me
off the horse; but it is the good, honest weariness that makes rest one
of the greatest pleasures of life. Look here, old chap, I feel as if I
am going to be a man again."

He held out his hand, which Dyke caught and gripped without a word,
listening as his brother went on.

"We've found wealth, little un, and I suppose that is good, but it seems
to me like nothing compared to health and strength. One wants to have
been pulled down very low to know what he is worth."

Dyke said nothing, but sat looking round him still at the wide veldt,
and skies one scene of glory, as the sun illumined the great granite
kopje, and seemed to crown it with rays of gold.

"Joe, old chap," he said at last, "I used to sit over there and sulk,
and hate the hot old place and everything here, but--I don't think I
shall like to leave it after all."

"The time for leaving has not come yet, boy," said Emson quietly. "We
shall see. At present it is home."

It was three years later when they rode away, with their wagon lightly
laden with the curiosities they wished to take back. The stones they
had collected were safely there before, sent home from time to time.

For old Morgen