"'That is well for Christina. Otherwise she would be shot.
We have little patience with wrongdoers, I can tell you.'
"'But what are you going to do with her?'
"'I? Nothing at all,' answered Koos. 'She is no longer my business. It will be for Christina's father to decide what shall be done to her.'
"'Will you promise—' began the Englishman; but Koos laughed.
"'I promise nothing,' he replied. 'In a few moments you will be dead, and past bargaining. Christina, ride on.'
"'Stay a moment,' called the Englishman again. 'I will ask you a favor, anyhow. It is not well to refuse a dying man, and perhaps in a few moments I shall have more power over you. So I beg you, spare Christina.'
"'I promise nothing at all,' answered Koos. 'I am not afraid of ghosts.'
"'I wasn't thinking of that,' said the other. 'So I have nothing to gain whether by talking or holding my tongue?'
"'Nothing at all!'
"'Very well; if that be the case, take that!' and very suddenly he snatched a pistol—one of those things which hold six bullets—from his pocket and shot Koos in the leg.