April the herder, and discoverer of gold, was sent for. He came.
‘April,’ said the farmer, ‘I believe your time is up at the end of the week?’
‘Yes, baas.’
‘Do you intend going home then?’
‘Yes, baas!’
‘I owe you three heifers for your time of service, do I not?’
‘Yes, baas!’
‘Well, there are six. Three in payment for your service, and three if you will leave to-morrow morning early without saying a word to anyone, and I want you never to come on my farm again. You must also promise me never to tell anybody about the copper you found on the stone to-day. Do you promise?’
The Kaffir was amazed. To receive double his salary, and to go before his time was up, with an order never to return again, was incomprehensible to him. However, he gave the promise required, and left.
Steve could hardly make out the drift of the old man. He simply stared in surprise at his host.