enclose you power of attorney to receive and give receipt for the same.
Also there is due to me from your British Government #253 on account of
slaves liberated which were worth quite #1,000. This also the paper
gives you authority to receive. As regards my claims against the said
cursed Government because of the loss brought on me by the Quabie
Kaffirs, it will not acknowledge them, saying that the attack was caused
by the Frenchman Leblanc, one of my household.'"


"And with good reason," commented my father.


"'When you have received these monies, if ever, I pray you take some
safe opportunity of sending them to me, wherever I may be, which
doubtless you will hear in due course, although by that time I hope to
be rich again and not to need money. Farewell and God be with you, as I
hope He will be with me and Marie and the rest of us trek-Boers. The
bearer will overtake us with your answer at our first outspan.

"'HENRI MARAIS.'"


"Well," said my father with a sigh, "I suppose I must accept his trust,
though why he should choose an 'accursed Englishman' with whom he has
quarrelled violently to collect his debts instead of one of his own
beloved Boers, I am sure I do not know. I will go and write to him.
Allan, see that the messenger and his horse get something to eat."

I nodded and went to the man, who was one of those that had defended
Maraisfontein with me, a good fellow unless he got near liquor.