Steve thought it best to make friends where he could.
‘Thank you, thank you, baas,’ said the bushman, receiving the coin and slipping it into his mouth.
‘Look here, Jankie, is there a good riding horse in the stable?’
‘Only young Baas Willim’s horse, on which he goes courting.’
‘Is it a good horse, Jankie?’
‘I have never seen a better one, baas; it is a black stallion. He never gets flamed (never gives in).’
‘That is just the horse I want, Jankie. Do you think your mistress will lend him to me to go and fight the English?’
‘I am afraid not, baas. Young Baas Willim never allows anyone besides himself to ride that horse; but come in and ask the nooi.’
Steve went up to the house and knocked. The door was opened by a pretty, fair-haired girl, evidently the daughter of the house. He was shown into the sitting-room, the good and well-appointed furniture of which again indicated the wealth of the owners.
Steve asked to see Mijf Meyer. She soon appeared, and without much beating about the bush, Steve stated what he required.