cheats," he answered excitedly.

"And so you would give your daughter to one who has shown himself humble
and upright, to that good hater of the English and plotter against his
King, Hernando Pereira, whom you love because he alone is left of your
ancient race."

Remembering the incident of the afternoon, this sarcasm reduced Marais
to silence.

"Well," went on my father, "although I am fond of Marie, and know her to
be a sweet and noble-hearted girl, neither do I wish that she should
marry my son. I would see him wed to some English woman, and not
dragged into the net of the Boers and their plottings. Still, it is
plain that these two love each other with heart and soul, as doubtless
it has been decreed that they should love. This being so, I tell you
that to separate them and force another marriage upon one of them is a
crime before God, of which, I am sure, He will take note and pay it back
to you. Strange things may happen in those lands whither you go, Henri
Marais. Will you not, then, be content to leave your child in safe
keeping?"

"Never!" shouted Marais. "She shall accompany me to a new home, which
is not under the shadow of your accursed British flag."

"Then I have no more to say. On your head be it here and hereafter,"
replied my father solemnly.

Now unable to control myself any longer I broke in: