ow morning. And I wouldn't make a row about it if I
was Halket. It doesn't do to fall out with the authorities here. What's
one nigger more or less? He'll get shot some other way, or die of
hunger, if we don't do it."

"It's hardly sport to shoot a man tied up neck and legs," said the
Englishman; his finely drawn eyebrows contracting and expanding a
little.

"Oh, they don't feel, these niggers, not as we should, you know. I've
seen a man going to be shot, looking full at the guns, and falling
like that!--without a sound. They've no feeling, these niggers; I don't
suppose they care much whether they live or die, not as we should, you
know."

The Englishman's eyes were still fixed on the bushes, behind which
Halket's head appeared and disappeared.

"They have no right to order Halket to do it--and he will not do it!"
said the Englishman slowly.

"You're not going to be such a fool as to step in, are you?" said the
Colonial, looking curiously at him. "It doesn't pay. I've made up my
mind never to speak whatever happens. What's the good? Suppose one were
to make a complaint now about this affair with Halket, if he's made to
shoot the nigger against his will; what would come of it? There'd be
half-a-dozen fellows here squared to say what headquarters wanted--not
to speak of a fellow like that"--turning his thumb in the direction of
the sleeping trooper--"who are paid to watch. I believe he reports on
the Captain himself to the big headquarters. All one's wires are edited
before they go down; only what the Company wants to go, go through.
There are many downright good fellows in this lot; but how many of us
are there, do you think, who could throw away all chance of ever making
anything in Mashonaland, for the sake of standing by Halket; even if he
had a real row with the Company? I've a great liking for Halket myself,
he's a real good fellow, and he's done me many a good turn--took my
watch only last night, because I was off colour; I'd do anything for him
in reason. But, I say this flatly, I couldn't and wouldn't fly in the
face of the authorities for him or anyone else. I've my own girl waiting
for me down in the Colony, and she's been waiting for me these five
years. And whether I'm able to marry her or not depends on how I stand
with the Company: and I say, flatly, I'm not going to fall out with it.
I came here to make money, and I mean to make it! If other people like
to run their heads against stone walls, let th