“Business first, pleasure afterwards,” was Major Flinders’ motto; so on the morning after he arrived at Ralfontein he informed his host of his wish to purchase some horses.
“You could not have come to me at a better time, Mat,” was the captain’s reply. “I have now nearly seventy young uns—two, three, and four-year olds—and about half as many aged horses in the paddocks and stables; and early next month I expect a drove of brood mares and colts from Campbell’s Doorp. You can take your pick of those that are here or wait for the others.”
Major Flinders replied, that as he could not remain at Ralfontein more than a week he must choose from the horses then on the farm; so the next three days were spent in examining and trying several “young uns,” of which the Major ultimately purchased fifteen, making up the score with older horses.
Tom and his crony George Weston had hoped to see some big shooting during their stay at the Jamiesons’; but in this they were disappointed, as, it being a busy season at the farm, their young hosts had no opportunity of going out with them; however, like sensible lads, they contented themselves with roaming about the estate shooting hares and guinea-fowl, and assisting in the selection and trial of the horses; thus they found the time pass very quickly and the last day of their visit to the farm came round all too soon...
“Well, my lads what think you of Ralfontein?” asked their hospitable host as they sat round the supper-table the evening before their departure.
“It is the prettiest and jolliest place I ever stayed at,” cried George, with unmistakable earnestness; “that is to say, except—except Rustenburg,” he added, with some confusion.
“I only wish the pater would give up Rustenburg, and settle here!” exclaimed Tom. “How jolly we should all be together, and what sport we’d have!”
“That is exactly what our friend wishes me to do, Tom,” laughed the Major; “but I didn’t think he would have found a supporter in you!”
“Yes, that is true,” said their host. “I tell your father that he could sell Rustenburg for a large sum now, and once up here he would make no end of money. You and Weston must really think it over, Mat.”
“And then you know, father,” put in Tom, “when you had made your fortune, you might return to England, and buy back Flinders Court.”