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Answer, putting in your name, which is left blank in the book." I replied that I did, and the question was repeated to Marie, who did likewise. "Well then, there you are," said Retief, "for I won't trouble you with all the prayers, which I don't feel myself parson enough to say. Oh! no, I forgot. Have you a ring?"
"I take it," Retief said, "that the casino is a front for his political activities." "He makes plenty off it. This PAFFL is a new kick. I never heard about it until maybe a couple months ago." Retief motioned toward a dark shed with an open door. "We'll stop here," he said, "long enough to strip the gadgets off these uniforms."
Presently he saw me, and sent a councillor to say that I must come and interpret for him. So, dismounting, I went with Retief, Thomas Halstead, and a few of the leading Boers. "I am glad that you have come, as I know that you will speak my words truly, being one of the People of George whom I love, for Tho-maas here I do not trust, although he is also a Son of George." I told Retief what he said.
The writing had evidently been done in haste, but its meaning was clear. "Retief is here," it ran. "I am a prisoner. Follow up with all speed. After reading, Horrocks turned to the clerk, who immediately went on with his story. "Well, I just bolted out to the stables intending to take a horse and go over to 'Poker' John's. But when I got there I found the doors open, an' every blessed horse gone.
Well, if so I am ready with whole bullets or with split ones. None shall say that Pieter Retief was afraid of any man, and, least of all, of one who is not ashamed to try to steal a prize as a hyena steals a bone from a lion. Come on, Hernan Pereira, come on!"
If he died for it he must blurt out his almost superstitious astonishment. The half-breed seized his prisoner's lower jaw in his hand and compressed the cheeks upon the teeth. Jim's lips parted, and a horrified amazement found vent in words. "Holy Gawd! man. But be ye flesh or sperrit? Peter Retief as I'm a livin' "
Say, I thought sure Retief was going to do for you when I heard about it." "Ah. Who told you about about me?" "Your clerk." "Rodgers?" "No, Thompson." "Ah! Have you seen Rodgers at all?" "No." John turned to the other two. "Have you?" Neither of the men had seen the clerk, and old John turned again to Lablache. "Why, what's happened to Rodgers?" "Oh, nothing.
Presently the Boers came in on foot and walked up to the king in a body, and Dingaan greeted them kindly and shook hands with Retief, their captain. Then Retief drew the paper from a leather pouch, which set out the boundaries of the grant of land, and it was translated to the king by an interpreter.
His mind seemed fixed on one thought alone the coming of Retief. After this he grew more calm. Perhaps the knowledge that the store was secure now against any intruder helped to steady his nerves. Then he started was the store secure? He rose again and went to the window to put up the shutter.
"And," he went on, more to himself than to the others, "we never had any clear proof that the scoundrel, Retief, came to grief. From what I remember things were very hot for him at the time of his disappearance. Maybe the man's right. However," turning to the others, "I should not be surprised if Mr. Retief has overreached himself this time.
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