“‘There’s Kaffirs over yonder,’ sed Jimmie, staring at his brother; ‘and the chap as was here last night is with ’em. I heard them call him. His name’s Tyali.’
“‘My God!’ said Jake, going white. ‘Tell father,’ he sed, and then he ran.
“I laughed, sneering at Jake, and Jimmie hit me in the side, though his mouth were twitching.
“‘What the row?’ sed Harry, coming up.
“‘Kaffirs!’ sed Jimmie, scowling after Jake.
“‘Hurrah!’ sed Harry, and threw up his hat.
“‘What’s all this I yere from Jake?’ said ole man Tolver, striding up. ‘So,’ he sed, when Jimmie tole him, putting the ends of his beard into his mouth, which were a trick he had when thinking. ‘So; they’re coming. Well, let ’em come! I tole that Guv’ment chap I’d stay here, and here I’ll stay. If any of you boys would like to go, you’d better clear now.’
“They were all of them together—all but Jake, and he had gone running into the house.
“‘It’s too much trouble to run,’ said Oll, biting on a piece of grass. ‘’Sides, I ain’t finished “scoffling” the mealies. I’ll stay.’
“The ole baas he jes’ grunted.