“And joined the Boers out of revenge, eh?”
“No, sir: it was all fate and accident.”
“Well, fate is very unkind to us sometimes, my man,” said the General. “That is your wagon and span of oxen, you say?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Well, you have prospered by your change. What did you say you traded in?”
“Provender, sir—mealies and corn.”
“And you?” cried the General, turning sharply to West. “What do you think he deals in?”
“I believe he deals in diamonds, sir,” replied West.
“Why?” said the General.
“For one reason, sir, because my friend, in whom I have perfect faith, caught him in the act.”