es leave us at this point, and here
comes one of them."

As he spoke, the cracking of whips announced the approach of a team. A
moment later, and a small Hottentot came, round a bend in the road,
followed by the leading pair of oxen. It was the train of Edwin Brook,
who soon appeared, riding a small horse. George Dally walked beside
him. Scholtz, the German, followed, conversing with the owner of the
waggon. In the waggon itself Mrs Brook, Mrs Scholtz, and Junkie found
a somewhat uneasy resting-place, for, being new to the style of travel,
they had not learned to accommodate themselves to jolts and crashes.
Gertie preferred to walk, the pace not being more than three miles an
hour.

"Oh, father!" said Gertie, running up to the side of her sire, with
girlish vivacity, "there is the tall Dutchman who was so polite to me
when I was pricked by the thorn bush."

"True, Gertie, and there also is the Scot who was so free and easy in
giving his opinion as to the farming powers of the brothers Skyd."

"Your road diverges here, sir," said Hans, as Brook rode up; "I fell
behind my party to bid you God-speed, and to express a hope that we may
meet again."

"Thanks, friend, thanks," said Brook, extending his hand. "I am obliged
for the aid you have rendered me, and the advice given, which latter I
shall no doubt find valuable.--You are bound for the highlands, of
course," he added, turning to Sandy Black. "We of the Albany lowlands
must have a friendly rivalry with you of the highlands, and see who
shall subdue the wilderness most quickly."

This remark sent the Scot into a rather learned disquisition as to the
merits and probable prospects of a hill as compared with a low-lying
region, during which Hans Marais turned to Gertie. Being so very tall,
he had to stoop as well as to look down at her pretty face, though
Gertie was by no means short for her age. Indeed, she was as tall as
average women, but, being only twelve, was slender and girlish.

"How _very_ tall you are, Mr Marais!" she exclaimed, with a laugh, as
she looked up.

"True, Gertie," said Hans, using the only name which he had yet heard
applied to the girl; "true, we Cape-Dutchmen are big fellows as a race,
and I happen to be somewhat longer than my fellows. I hope you don't
object to me on that account?"

"Object? oh no! But it _is_ so funny to have to look up so high. It's
like speaking to father when he's on horseback."

"Well, Gertie, extra h