In the van of this little crush one of the most conspicuous figures was McFrazer, who, throwing aside his usual stolidity, was dancing a Scottish reel with Tenpenny Nail as his awkward but none the less enthusiastic partner.
For the next quarter of an hour Colonel Narfield's words and actions were a trifle confused, while Colin and Tiny were simply overwhelmed with demonstrations of exuberant joy.
"Where's our Van der Wyck?" inquired Colin, at length.
He was missing. So was the old farmer. They were discovered sitting in the wagon, grasping each other's hands.
"My nephew Piet," announced Van der Wyck senior. "I thought he was killed in the war."
"And this is my Uncle Piet," exclaimed the younger Van der Wyck. "I had a letter from Mafeking, while I was serving with Deventer's Column, telling me that he had died. A double blunder. Anyway, it's all right all round now. And Uncle Piet can vouch for it that I'm not Jan Groute," he added with a chuckle.
"No need," rejoined Colonel Narfield. "We know now who Jan Groute is and where he is. But come along. Supper is ready and places laid for you three. How did I know? I didn't. For any further information ask Tenpenny Nail."
* * * * *
Six months later Colin Sinclair and Tiny Desmond embarked at Dar-es-Salaam for Cape Town, en route for England.
"It hasn't been at all a bad stunt," observed Colin, as the African shore faded in the tropical mists.