whenever Ralph rode, he rode armed, for though it was said that he had
gone on one of his long journeys trading among the Kaffirs, both of them
guessed that they had not seen the last of Van Vooren. Jan and I were
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.