"You did!" exclaimed the horseman.
"Yes, sir, I did," replied Oscar, who thought his new acquaintance looked a little incredulous. "And I have the papers to prove it."
"Where are your companions?"
"They are with the wagon. If you will ride on with me until I outspan I shall be glad to have you drink coffee with me. Of course this is your game, you having had the first shot at it, but, if you will permit me, I will put it into my wagon and save you the trouble of carrying it."
The horseman made no reply. The wagon came up just then, and while Paddy O'Brian and the Kaffir were putting the wilde-beest into it the strange hunter looked all around, as if he were searching for something or somebody he could not find. When the wagon moved on again Oscar mounted his horse and rode on ahead, in company with his new acquaintance.
"Where did you say your companions were?" the latter asked at length.
"These are all I have," answered Oscar—"a driver, fore-loper, interpreter, and cook."
The stranger was greatly amazed.
"Do you mean to tell me that you are the owner of this wagon and the leader of this expedition?" said he.
"I do, sir."