bathe directly we stopped. It was enough to make one
cross. And then that stupid old Kafir and Jan over the outspan money,
and our none of us being able to find any change. I believe Jan was glad
we couldn't pay."

"Jan resents having to pay outspan money: he will wriggle out of it if
he can," said Constance.

We had gone the first three or four miles with plenty of noise, clack of
whip and shout at team, but this gradually subsided, and with a warning
to April, the leader, to have the oxen well in the middle of the road
and to keep right on, Jan sank into such silence as was possible.

Constance rose, and began to fumble for her purse.

We heard a stealthy order to April to run, and the whip sounded again
about one ox and another, while we were tipped about in all directions
as the team suddenly put on a tremendous spurt.

In the dim light we could see the outlines of a hut close by the road,
and a Kafir sprang out of the doorway towards us shouting for his money.
Jan took no notice, but whipped and shouted and trotted along as if his
were the only voice upraised.

"Stop, Jan, stop!" called Constance.

But Jan was suddenly deaf. The other man was not, however, and he ran
along after us, followed by a string of undressed children, shouting and
gesticulating wildly.

"Jan, I insist upon stopping," called Constance. "April, stop the oxen."

In spite of all the noise Jan was making, April could not fail to hear
the indignant cry of his young mistress, and presently the wagon was
halted. Jan hastily popped the whip into the wagon and turned back to
confront his enemy.

"What do you mean by stopping a wagon in the road like this? Outspan
money? We have not outspanned and are not going to on your starved old
veldt."

"Jan, Jan, you know very well we are owing him two shillings from the
last time we passed," said Constance.

The stranger Kafir tried to get to the wagon, but Jan barred the
passage. He changed his tactics. "Come, let's fight for it," he cried,
casting his hat and scarlet head-handkerchief into the karoo out of the
way.

This offer was declined without thanks. "I shan't fight. The money is
mine," protested the other, encouraged by finding his demand was allowed
by the ladies.

"April, leave the oxen and come here," called Constance. "Give this
money to him."

[Sidenote: Jan's Principles]

This was done at last, to Jan's grief. "Ah, Mees Constance! Why didn't
you let me fight him? he was only