“Yes, sir, after being charged with illicit-diamond-dealing with the Kaffirs working at the great Kimberley mines; and we want you to give orders for the wagon he had with him to be searched.”
“His wagon searched?” cried the General. “How am I to know which wagon he had?”
“The sergeant knows where it is, sir,” replied West; “and we could recognise it directly.”
“But why do you want it searched—what for?”
“For diamonds, sir, that he brought away from Kimberley, and which you have brought back.”
“H’m! Diamonds, eh? This sounds interesting!” said the General. “You think he has some there?”
“We both believe he has, sir, and of great value.”
“What do you say, gentlemen?”
“Oh, let’s have the search made by all means!” cried one of the officers, laughing. “It may mean salvage and loot, and all sorts of good things!”
“Very well! Take the matter up, and I’ll see the search made! Let the prisoner be present, of course. I’ll be ready in half-an-hour.”