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But what on earth can they have to do with Haraldsen? And without another word
he strode off in thedirection of the kraal.
He had succeeded inpersuading the
elders of the tribe to let us inside the sacredenclosure. I hadcompletely
forgotten the name, and it never suggested Rhodesia.
Better to meet them here
and have done with it.
It was all open and bare, and we hadnt time to dig
trenchesor build a scherm. Dorando was livid, but Stringer only smiled
sleepily. Hehad cut an odd enough figure at Hanham, but in London he was
cleanout of the picture. Troth had beenthe old mans partner at one time and had
tried to swindle him.
Peters boy accompanied us, a tough little Bechuana from
Khamascountry. The greed of these men is so great that it will makethem brave.
When the twilight began to fall Peter descended from his perch. I found an ugly
face closeto me, fired at it, and saw it go blind.
By this time they havebeen
joined by others, and these others are very great scoundrels.
Theyhave brought
me news which is surer and speedier than Captain Jimcan get.
I couldnt get
tosleep last night for trying to remember it.
Being higher up the hill he had
had a better view and he broughtnews. The two English do not drink, or if they
drink theydo not babble.
He had no weapon, so I offered him myrifle. Soon it
will be black night, and we cannotshoot in the dark. The Baas isvery rich, and
he is believed to know many secrets.
Ive had to take plenty of risks, andsome
of them mighty big ones. We can only trust in God, he said simply, and his mild
quizzicalface was solemn.
By this time they havebeen joined by others, and
these others are very great scoundrels.
There are eight of them, and of us only
four. This chap came to myoffice, and he told me a dashed silly story.
Hes
notthinking about any Saga oath nowadays. This seemed to me fairly to put the
lid on it, butPeter did not lose his cheerfulness.
As soon as it is dark they
will be very busy.
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