“There,” said the doctor, “I begin to think nature will do the rest for you; but I will come in and see you again. Why, hallo!” he continued. “I didn’t know we had such an audience as this.”
For every tree seemed to have a little face peering round it watching what was going on, and some of the grave, serious-looking eyes were undoubtedly those of the little women, none of whom now shrank away as the doctor moved back towards the amphitheatre.
“There, Mak,” cried Mark, “tell this little chief that we are much obliged for the two springboks.”
The black stared at him.
“How stupid!” said Dean. “Much obliged!”
“Well, you try,” said Mark angrily. “I wasn’t going to pretend to chew and lick my lips as if the steaks were very good.”
“Why not?” said Dean mockingly. “You know they were.”
“Well, aren’t you going to tell him better?” said Mark scoffingly.
“No, I’m not. Come on.”
They made their way back, to find an early supper of venison awaiting them, and that night the boys lay talking in the waggon about the doctor’s patient and the next day’s visit, till Dean dropped off to sleep, but only to be woke up directly by Mark.