lot of few--as we know--and such
experience had left its mark. He had learned self-reliance in a sharp
school, but he had learned it. There was a straight decisive look in
his clear eyes which had not been there before, a stamp, too, of it in
his features, and now Hazel came to the conclusion that Dick Selmes was
the handsomest man she had ever seen, or would ever be likely to see.
Even now, how well he looked on horseback. His steed, the same one
which had carried him through his express-riding experience, just now
was giving ample opportunity for a display of horsemanship; and,
watching both from the cart, Hazel realised that small Jacky was but
voicing her own verdict in rough and ready fashion when he exclaimed--

"Ma, but Mr Selmes is a fine chap, and, can't he just ride!"

"And swim too, eh, Jacky?" was the maternal reply, given significantly.

"_Ja_. Rather!"

It was sunset when they reached the farm; whose owner they could see
down at the sheep kraals some little way off, apparently engaged in
counting in, and at this they would not disturb him. A Kafir stable
hand came up to take the horses.

"Come in, Mr Selmes. My husband will be up directly, when he's done
counting. He and Magwelo will do the outspanning."

"Oh, but I can give a hand so long, Mrs Waybridge. Why--if that isn't
Elsie."

"Ay, it's Elsie. And how are ye, Mr Selmes?" said the Scotswoman, as
Dick heartily shook hands with her. "Man, but ye'll have seen
something, A'm thinking, since ye first took me for Miss Hazel, up at
Mr Hesketh's."

"Elsie, that joke's stale," cut in Hazel, quickly. "I don't know either
that it was ever much of a joke in any case."

And Dick felt grateful. He did not want to be reminded of having made
an ass of himself--and that before other people. But the Scotswoman
turned away, not in the least offended, however. Soon the owner of the
place was seen approaching. He was a middle-aged, strongly built man,
with a quiet-looking, shrewd face, thickly bearded, and he was rather
reticent of speech.

"John," said his wife, "I've brought you some one you've very much
wanted to see--Mr Selmes."

"Very much wanted to," echoed the other, heartily. "I should rather
think so. How are you, sir--and a thousand welcomes. I need hardly say
how glad I am of the opportunity of thanking you in person--"

"No--no, Mr Waybridge. That's a subject we must agree not to mention,"
protested Dick. "Really--if only to