be cut. Doubtless
the Heer Allan's were treated in the same way."

"No," I answered, "when I said that I would shoot with a bullet I meant
a whole bullet, not one that had been sawn in pieces and fixed together
again, so that after it left the muzzle it might spread out like shot.
But I do not wish to talk about the matter. It is in the hands of the
Heer Pieter Retief, who will give judgment as it pleases him."

Now, much excited argument ensued among the Boers, in the midst of which
Marie managed to whisper to me unheard:

"Oh! I am glad, Allan, for whatever they may decide, you won, and the
omen is good."

"I don't see what geese have to do with omens, sweetheart," I
answered--"that is, since the time of the ancient Romans. Anyhow,
I should say that the omens are bad, for there is going to be a row
presently."

Just then Retief put up his hand, calling out:

"Silence! I have decided. The writing of the match did not say that the
bullets were not to be cut, and therefore Hernan Pereira's birds must
count. But that writing does say that any bird accidentally killed
should not count, and therefore one goose must be subtracted from
Pereira's total, which leaves the two shooters equal. So either the
match is dead or, since the geese have ceased to come, it must be shot
off another day."

"Oh! if there is any question," said Pereira, who felt that public
opinion was much against him, "let the Englishman take the money. I dare
say that he needs it, as the sons of missionaries are not rich."

"There is no question," I said, "since, rich or poor, not for a thousand
pounds would I shoot again against one who plays such tricks. Keep your
money, Mynheer Pereira, and I will keep my mare. The umpire has said
that the match is dead, so everything is finished."

"Not quite," interrupted Retief, "for I have a word to say. Friend
Allan, you have played fair, and I believe that there is no one who can
shoot like you in Africa."

"That is so," said the audience of Boers.

"Mynheer Pereira," went on Retief, "although you, too, are a fine shot,
as is well known, I believe that had you played fair also you would have
been beaten, but as it is you have saved your hundred pounds. Mynheer
Pereira," he added in a great voice, "you are a cheat, who have brought
disgrace upon us Boers, and for my part I never want to shake your hand
again."

Now, at these outspoken words, for when his indignation was aroused
Retief was no measure