DEAR MR. GILLESPIE,
The farm has been raided while we were away--got away by a trick. I suspect Juma and his gang. They collared all our rifles and ammunition. Ferrier and I are starting at once to follow them up. I want you to send up somebody at once--a white man--to give an eye to things. I dare say we shall be back by the time he gets here, but it'll be just as well to have somebody on the spot in case we're longer than I expect. Sorry to trouble you, but I've got to teach Juma a lesson.
Yours in haste,
D. HALLIDAY.
"That's the explanation!" exclaimed Mr. Halliday. "Can I start to-night?"
"No. This may be a serious business--the young madcap! I hope he'll turn back if he doesn't catch them at once----"
"That wouldn't be John. He'll go on till he has thrashed them."
"Then heaven help him! Man, he may find himself among a whole tribe of blood-thirsty savages. And the worst of it is we may not reach him in time. It's not merely a question of looking after the farm. We'll start as soon as it's light: I'll get a party together."
"The police?"