ed through her arm, and
they stood for a little, watching the great white scavengers in the
distance.

"I could almost find it in me to vow never to kill another puff-adder
after the service that one rendered me," went on Wyvern. "I had a tough
contract on hand, and that other fellow was big and powerful, and had a
business-like sort of knife. The stone trick might not have worked out
so well twice running."

"Darling, don't take any more of those foolish risks. Why don't you
carry a pistol?"

"Oh, it's heavy and therefore hot. I shall have bother enough now over
that wretched Kafir. There'll be an inquest and so on. By the way, I
shall have to notify your father about the affair. He's the nearest
Field-cornet."

"That's all right. You can come over to-morrow and tell him, then we
shall see each other two days running, or rather three--for of course
you must stop the night."

"He won't ask me. I'm out of favour, remember."

"Won't he? Well, if he doesn't I will; and I think I know who's _Baas_
in household arrangements of that kind."

Both laughed. "I think I do," Wyvern said. "Now let's go round to the
stable and see to your horse. It's not very far from counting-in time--
worse luck."

"Ah, yes. How time gallops. Now, you will be wanting to get rid of
me."

"That of course."

"Well then, you won't--not just yet that is. I'm going to stay and have
supper with you. There's a splendid moon, and you can ride back with me
until I'm in sight of the house. How does that appeal?"

"In the way of perfection."

"Same here. I didn't let on I was coming here to-day, but nobody will
give me away whatever time I get back, that's one thing."

CHAPTER FOUR.

"I WILL NOT LET HIM GO."

Lalante's intention of spending the evening with him had come with the
effect of a reprieve upon Wyvern. For all his trust in her he never
parted with her without vague misgivings that by some means or other it
might be for the last time; for did he not hold her in opposition to a
growing and decided parental hostility? It would be through no fault of
hers, he told himself, were such misgivings justified. With all her
strength and resolution, circumstances might be too strong for her,
hence the misgiving.

They wandered about, happy for the moment, watching the great rays of
the westering sun sweep lower and lower over the green expanse of the
river valley--upon which now, the whiteness of returning flocks