gun down at his side.

The stranger sat down on the opposite side of the fire. His complexion
was dark; his arms and feet were bronzed; but his aquiline features, and
the domed forehead, were not of any South African race.

"One of the Soudanese Rhodes brought with him from the north, I
suppose?" said Peter, still eyeing him curiously.

"No; Cecil Rhodes has had nothing to do with my coming here," said the
stranger.

"Oh--" said Peter. "You didn't perhaps happen to come across a company
of men today, twelve white men and seven coloured, with three cart loads
of provisions? We were taking them to the big camp, and I got parted
from my troop this morning. I've not been able to find them, though I've
been seeking for them ever since."

The stranger warmed his hands slowly at the fire; then he raised his
head:--"They are camped at the foot of those hills tonight," he said,
pointing with his hand into the darkness at the left. "Tomorrow early
they will be here, before the sun has risen."

"Oh, you've met them, have you!" said Peter joyfully; "that's why you
weren't surprised at finding me here. Take a drop!" He took the small
flask from his pocket and held it out. "I'm sorry there's so little, but
a drop will keep the cold out."

The stranger bowed his head; but thanked and declined.

Peter raised the flask to his lips and took a small draught; then
returned it to his pocket. The stranger folded his arms about his knees,
and looked into the fire.

"Are you a Jew?" asked Peter, suddenly; as the firelight fell full on
the stranger's face.

"Yes; I am a Jew."

"Ah," said Peter, "that's why I wasn't able to make out at first what
nation you could be of; your dress, you know--" Then he stopped, and
said, "Trading here, I suppose? Which country do you come from; are you
a Spanish Jew?"

"I am a Jew of Palestine."

"Ah!" said Peter; "I haven't seen many from that part yet. I came out
with a lot on board ship; and I've seen Barnato and Beit; but they're
not very much like you. I suppose it's coming from Palestine makes the
difference."

All fear of the stranger had now left Peter Halket. "Come a little
nearer the fire," he said, "you must be cold, you haven't too much
wraps. I'm chill in this big coat." Peter Halket pushed his gun a little
further away from him; and threw another large log on the fire. "I'm
sorry I haven't anything to eat to offer you; but I haven't had anything
myself since last night. It's beas