he Black Kendah,
such a doing as they never had before, and then start for the coast with
you and Lady Ragnall, as, God willing, we shall do. Good night."

After this I slept like a top for some hours, as I believe Ragnall did
also. When I awoke, which happened suddenly and completely, the first
thing that I saw was Hans seated at the entrance to my little shelter
smoking his corn-cob pipe, and nursing the single-barrelled rifle,
Intombi, on his knee. I asked him what the time was, to which he replied
that it lacked two hours to dawn. Then I asked him why he had not been
sleeping. He replied that he had been asleep and dreamed a dream. Idly
enough I inquired what dream, to which he replied:

"Rather a strange one, Baas, for a man who is about to go into battle. I
dreamed that I was in a large place that was full of quiet. It was light
there, but I could not see any sun or moon, and the air was very soft
and tasted like food and drink, so much so, Baas, that if anyone had
offered me a cup quite full of the best 'Cape smoke' I should have told
him to take it away. Then, Baas, suddenly I saw your reverend father,
the Predikant, standing beside me and looking just as he used to look,
only younger and stronger and very happy, and so of course knew at once
that I was dead and in hell. Only I wondered where the fire that does
not go out might be, for I could not see it. Presently your reverend
father said to me: 'Good day, Hans. So you have come here at last. Now
tell me, how has it gone with my son, the Baas Allan? Have you looked
after him as I told you to do?'

"I answered: 'I have looked after him as well as I could, O reverend
sir. Little enough have I done; still, not once or twice or three times
only have I offered up my life for him as was my duty, and yet we both
have lived.' And that I might be sure he heard the best of me, as was
but natural, I told him the times, Baas, making a big story out of small
things, although all the while I could see that he knew exactly just
where I began to lie and just where I stopped from lying. Still he did
not scold me, Baas; indeed, when I had finished, he said:

"'Well done, O good and faithful servant,' words that I think I have
heard him use before when he was alive, Baas, and used to preach to us
for such a long time on Sunday afternoons. Then he asked: 'And how goes
it with Baas Allan, my son, now, Hans?' to which I replied:

"'The Baas Allan is going to fight a very great