indicating Brown, "and what is the
paper you have in your hands?"

The Chief explained that the paper was a grant of a piece of land which
the trader wanted for the purpose of running cattle on.

"How much land?" asked Lane.

"Enough to feed two hundred head of cattle and some goats," replied the
chief.

"And how much are you to receive for this?"

"Six guns, ammunition, and some brandy," was the answer. "I am glad you
have come," pursued Tapinyani; "I know you well, and you can advise me
in this matter."

He handed the paper to Lane, who, holding up his hand to check a protest
on Puff-adder Brown's part, ran his eye rapidly over the document.

"Just as I thought," remarked Lane, addressing Tapinyani. "By this
paper, if you sign it, you hand over practically the whole of your
country, its timber, and any minerals there may be in it, to this man.
The thing's an impudent fraud, and I advise you to have nothing to do
with it." He spoke still in Sechuana, so that all the natives standing
round understood him well. Puff-adder Brown, too, who was well versed
in native dialects, perfectly comprehended his words.

Under the changed aspect of affairs, the man had seemed half irresolute.
He had not expected this sudden appearance after the precautions he had
taken, especially at the poisoned pool. But while Lane and the chief
had rapidly exchanged words, his gorge had been steadily rising, his
face took on a deeper and a darker red, and the great veins of his huge
neck swelled in an extraordinary way. Well had he been christened
Puff-adder Brown.

"Wait a bit, chief," he blurted out in the native tongue. "These men
are liars, every one of them. Don't believe them, the swines! There is
nothing in that paper you need be afraid to sign. Why, they are after a
concession of land themselves."

"Tapinyani," rejoined Lane, "let me tell you something more about this
man. He is a liar and a scamp, and worse. He cheated your friend, the
chief Secheli, years ago. He fought against Mankoroane, and stole a lot
of his cattle, and would have stolen his country if the English had not
interfered. Take the word of an old friend, and have nothing to do with
that paper."

Puff-adder Brown made a motion as if to strike at the speaker, but
Tapinyani just at this instant opening his mouth to speak, he stayed his
hand.

"I will not sign the paper to-day," said the chief. "I will think the
matter over again. I will speak wi