afraid also, for we knew the terrible nature of the man and of his
father before him, and that they came of a family which never forgot a
quarrel or left a desire ungratified.

About fourteen days after Ralph had been shot at and wounded, a Kaffir
brought a letter for Jan, which, on being opened, proved to have been
written by Swart Piet, or on his behalf, since his name was set at the
bottom of it. It read thus:--

"To the Heer Jan Botmar,

"Well-beloved Heer, this is to tell you that your daughter, Suzanne,
holds my heart, and that I desire to make her my wife. As it is not
convenient for me to come to see you at present, I write to ask you that
you will consent to our betrothal. I will make a rich woman of her as I
can easily satisfy you, and you will find it better to have me as a dear
son-in-law and friend than as a stranger and an enemy, for I am a good
friend and a bad enemy. I know there has been some talk of love between
Suzanne and the English foundling at your place; but I can overlook
that, although you may tell the lad that if he is impertinent to me
again as he was the other day, he will not for the second time get off
with a whipping only. Be so good as to give your answer to the bearer,
who will pass it on to those that can find me, for I am travelling about
on business, and do not know where I shall be from day to day. Give also
my love to Suzanne, your daughter, and tell her that I think often of
the time when she shall be my wife.

"I am, well-beloved Heer, your friend,

"Piet van Vooren."

Now, when Ralph had finished reading this letter aloud, for it had been
given to him as the best scholar among us, you might have thought there
were four crazy people in the room, so great was our rage. Jan and Ralph
said little indeed, although they looked white and strange with anger,
and Suzanne not over much, for it was I who talked for all of them.

"What is your answer, girl?" asked her father presently with an angry
laugh.

"Tell the Heer Piet van Vooren," she replied, smiling faintly, "that if
ever his lips should touch my face again it will be only when that face
is cold in death. Oh! Ralph," she cried, turning to him suddenly and
laying her hand upon his breast, "it may be that this man will bring
trouble and separation on us; indeed, my heart warns me of it, but,
whatever chances, remember my words, dead I may be, but faithful I shall
be--yes, to death and through death."

"Son, take pen