him at home I
should take him for some dissenting minister, a trifle hard-up and
out-at-elbow."

"Hard-up!" exclaimed Wilfred in disgust. "Don't make that mistake,
Jack. Paul Kruger is no pauper. He is certainly one of the wealthiest
of the Boers."

And this was exactly the case. President Kruger was a man who had for
many years not only managed the affairs of this particular country, but
had also contrived to look well after his own. It was only a glimpse
that Jack caught of him, but it was quite sufficient to impress the
features on his mind.

Paul Kruger was a heavily-built man, arrayed in black from head to foot,
which shone as all threadbare and worn-out clothing does. On his head
was a fairly presentable top hat, and in his fat, ungainly hands he held
a pair of black kid gloves.

But his face was the part which riveted one's attention.

In anyone else's case but the president's it would have passed without
comment, especially amongst a gathering of typical Boers. But, holding
the position he did, one looked a second time, and noticed the wrinkled,
jowly cheeks, fringed with a belt of straggly hair; the heavy,
sleepy-looking eyes, overhung by bushy brows, and the general appearance
of obtuseness.

And yet it was this man who, for the sake of a boundless ambition, was
destined to defy the might of England, ay, and stagger it with his
blows; and he it was, this sheepish-looking Boer, who for years and
years had been secretly dreaming and planning--planning to oust the
Britishers from their fair colonies, and claim for himself the proud
position and title of President--perhaps King--of the United States of
Africa.

Shortly after his return from Pretoria, Jack settled down to life in
Johannesburg, and soon found himself quite one of the Uitlanders. His
leg was now practically strong again, though he had not yet got rid of
the limp. Still, for all that, he was able to get about, and even enjoy
a game of cricket.

Soon, too, he became accustomed to life in the store conducted by Mr
Hunter, and made it a regular custom to help wherever he could during
the morning hours. It was really a large shop, with several
departments, and with a big storehouse behind. The main entrance was
quite an imposing one, and a common place for friends to meet, while
just inside was a large office in which the books were kept.

Jack was often here, and did not take long to master the intricacies of
book-keeping, so muc