nd most successful frauds that the
law seemed quite unable to touch, of which frauds I had been one of the
many victims to the extent of L250, a large sum for me.

The last time we met there had been a stormy scene between us, which
ended in my declaring in my wrath that if I came across him on the veld
I should shoot him at sight. Perhaps that was one of the reasons why Mr.
van Koop vanished from South Africa, for I may add that he was a cur
of the first water. I believe that he had only just entered the room,
having driven over from wherever he lived at some distance from Ragnall.
At any rate, he knew nothing of my presence at this shoot. Had he known
I am quite sure that he would have been absent. He turned, and seeing
me, ejaculated: "Allan Quatermain, by heaven!" beneath his breath, but
in such a tone of astonishment that it attracted the attention of Lord
Ragnall, who was standing near.

"Yes, Mr. van Koop," I answered in a cheerful voice, "Allan Quatermain,
no other, and I hope you are as glad to see me as I am to see you."

"I think there is some mistake," said Lord Ragnall, staring at us. "This
is Sir Junius Fortescue, who used to be Mr. Fortescue."

"Indeed," I replied. "I don't know that I ever remember his being called
by that particular name, but I do know that we are old--friends."

Lord Ragnall moved away as though he did not wish to continue the
conversation, which no one else had overheard, and Van Koop sidled up to
me.

"Mr. Quatermain," he said in a low voice, "circumstances have changed
with me since last we met."

"So I gather," I replied; "but mine have remained much the same, and if
it is convenient to you to repay me that L250 you owe me, with interest,
I shall be much obliged. If not, I think I have a good story to tell
about you."

"Oh, Mr. Quatermain," he answered with a sort of smile which made me
feel inclined to kick him, "you know I dispute that debt."

"Do you?" I exclaimed. "Well, perhaps you will dispute the story also.
But the question is, will you be believed when I give the proofs?"

"Ever heard of the Statute of Limitations, Mr. Quatermain?" he asked
with a sneer.

"Not where character is concerned," I replied stoutly. "Now, what are
you going to do?"

He reflected for a moment, and answered:

"Look here, Mr. Quatermain, you were always a bit of a sportsman, and
I'll make you an offer. If I kill more birds than you do to-day, you
shall promise to hold your tongue abo