hat head.

"So? you noticed it, then? Well, my notion is this," sinking his voice.
"Adrian is _slim_. I believe he remained at home only to have a quiet
talk with Aletta."

"Yes?"

"I think so. They were always devoted to each other as children and
then as they grew up together. I thought it good for her to go away and
see something of the world and of people, so I sent her to some
relatives of mine to Cape Town."

"She has done them credit I don't mind telling you, Stephanus, that even
the little I've seen of your eldest daughter justifies me in saying she
would show to advantage anywhere--_yes_, to the greatest advantage--in
London or anywhere you like."

"So?" said Stephanus, hugely delighted. "You think so, eh?"

"Think so? I'm sure of it," replied Colvin, whimsically thinking with
what whole-heartedness he was now eulogising one who that time yesterday
had existed in his mind as a plain, heavy-looking and absolutely
uninteresting girl. So libellous can be the photographer's art.

"I am delighted to hear you say so, Colvin. You are from England and
have seen a great deal of the world and ought to know. But I believe
you are right. Yes, I am sure you are right. Well, now, my idea is
that Adrian has remained behind to try his luck with Aletta."

"By Jove! Has he?" Then changing the quick tone of vivid interest into
which he had been momentarily betrayed, he went on tranquilly: "And do
you think he will succeed?"

"I cannot say. Aletta has seen a great many people, a great many men
down at the Cape. She may not care to marry a farmer. But she might do
worse than take Adrian. I have a great opinion of him. He is a fine
fellow and no fool. But she must please herself."

"Yes, but--are they not--er--rather nearly related?"

"I had thought of that side of it, too. It is a disadvantage. Look
out! There is a koorhaan running just on your left. He will be up in a
second."

Hardly were the words out than the bird rose, shrilling forth his loud,
alarmed cackle. Colvin dropped the bridle--his gun was at his shoulder.
Crack! and down came the noisy little bustard, shot fair and square
through the head. Two more rose, but out of range, and the air for the
next minute or two was noisy with their shoutings.

Colvin dismounted to pick up the bird, and as he did so up got another.
It was a long shot, but down came this bird also.

"Get there quick, man! He's running," cried Stephanus.

The