the way, you might
add to your pay by knocking up a description of it for one of the home
magazines--or even two. The native question is likely to come very
prominently before the British public soon."

The young fellow flushed.

"I had thought of doing something of the kind," he said.

"All right. And if you want any information in addition I'll give it
you--of course if it's a kind I can give," added Elvesdon, with a
meaning laugh.

On reaching the ridge they looked down upon another kraal in front of
them. Its inhabitants were loafing about over their usual avocations or
lack of such, in apparent ignorance of the black destruction that was
about to overwhelm them. But of the assailants there was as yet no
sign.

Elvesdon who had been chatting a little further with the young Police
trooper was somewhat behind the party. Then he became aware of the
presence of a native--an old man--who, squatted under a bush, was
apparently hailing him. He stopped. The old man with shaking fingers,
was fumbling in his bag, to produce therefrom--a letter.

Such a letter, dirty, greasy, enclosed in a common looking envelope,
addressed moreover, to himself, in a sprawling, uneducated hand.

"Who gave you this?" he asked.

"That I know not, _Nkose_. One of the people."

Elvesdon was about to open it--but just then there were signs of renewed
activity below. The attacking impi was getting into position. He
thrust the envelope into his pocket. It would keep. It was only some
ill-spelt scrawl written by some half--educated native making excuses
for not coming to pay his taxes. He was often the recipient of such.
Of course it would keep. Then he rejoined the party.

"Come along, Mr Elvesdon," cried Edala, excitedly. "They are going to
begin."

"They won't really kill each other, will they, Mr Elvesdon?" asked
Evelyn, with some real anxiety.

"They seem to get so carried away, you know. What if they should come
to blows in real earnest? No, but that could not be, could it?"

He hastened to reassure her on that point. The whole programme was that
of a wonderfully dramatic and realistic show got up for their
entertainment. If she chose to let her imagination go, why that would
only add to the excitement--to her--he appended, with an easy laugh.

He stole a glance at Edala. She was standing a little apart eagerly
watching the manoeuvres beneath, a slight flush of excitement in her
cheeks, and the expressive ey