Frank Muller made no answer in words. He simply took one step forward, pounced upon his insubordinate follower, and with a single swing of his athletic frame sent him flying headlong through the door, so that this free and independent burgher lit upon his head in the passage, smashing his pipe and considerably damaging his best feature—his nose. “There,” said Muller, shutting the door after him, “that is the only way to deal with such a fellow. And now let me bid you good-day, Miss Jess,” and he extended his hand, which Jess took, rather coldly it must be owned.
“It has given me great pleasure to be able to do you this little service,” he added politely. “I had considerable difficulty in obtaining the pass from the General—indeed I was obliged to urge my personal services before he would give it to me. But never mind that, I got it, as you know, and it will be my care to escort you safely to Mooifontein.”
Jess bowed, and Muller turned to John, who had risen from his chair and was standing some two paces away, and addressed him. “Captain Niel,” he said, “you and I have had some differences in the past. I hope that the service I am doing you will prove that I, for one, bear no malice. I will go farther. As I told you before, I was to blame in that affair in the inn-yard at Wakkerstroom. Let us shake hands and end what we cannot mend,” and he stepped forward and extended his hand.
Jess turned to see what would happen. She knew the whole story, and hoped he would not take the man’s hand; next, remembering their position, she hoped that he would.
John turned colour a little, then he drew himself up deliberately and put his hand behind his back.
“I am very sorry, Mr. Muller,” he said, “but even in our present position I cannot shake hands with you; you will know why.”
Jess saw a flush, bred of the furious passion which was his weak point, spread itself over the Boer’s face.
“I do not know, Captain Niel. Be so good as to explain.”
“Very well, I will,” said John calmly. “You tried to assassinate me.”
“What do you mean?” thundered Muller.