"I am sorry also." A little smile of grim humour played suddenly about his lips. "You must tell your niece The Bear sent her a farewell growl, and he hopes she will find more amiable Rhodesians at her future camping-places."
"I think she is not one to care much about the average type of amiable cavalier. She will miss The Bear's growl a good deal. But we shall see you again shortly, I hope," he hastened to add. "Any time if you care to come to Johannesburg we shall be delighted if you will visit us at Hill Court."
"Thank you. If I come that way, I shall remember."
Then he held out his hand. Mr. Pym grasped it with unwonted warmth.
"Good-bye, sir," said the soldier simply.
"Good-bye, Carew; I have been glad to meet you," answered the millionaire. And then as the horseman rode away without one backward look, he walked slowly along the little path to the tents.
At breakfast he broke the news quite simply, but once more he did not look at Meryl. He told them Major Carew had been called away to Segundi, and would not return before they had departed north.
"Gone?..." echoed Diana blankly. "Do you mean he has gone already and without saying good-bye?"
He felt Meryl's eyes upon him with a strained expression, and he turned lightly to Diana to give her time to grasp the news.
"Yes; but he left you a message. He passed before you were up, and I went out to speak to him. He asked me to make his farewells to both of you, and particularly to tell you that The Bear sent you a growl, and he hopes you will find more amiable Rhodesians at your other camping-places."