“Ay, surely I can,” was the reply. “I’ve only left it an hour since.”
So Jacob took a hearty farewell of his escort, and in another minute was following his new guide.
“A relation of the young gent’s, I guess?” asked the bushman.
“No, only an old servant. He saved my life, and I want to help save his, please God.”
“You’ll not do much towards saving it if you give him the same sort of medicine the last chap did,” remarked the other drily.
“The drink, you mean,” said Jacob. “No; I’m not likely to do anything of the sort, for I’m an out-and-out total abstainer.”
“I’m right glad to hear it; give me your hand, friend,” cried the bushman, treating him, at the same time, to a grip which made his fingers tingle. “I wish we’d more of your sort among us. It’d be better for ’em, body and soul.”
“Then, of course, you’re an abstainer yourself.”
“To be sure I am. I’ve four brothers, and not one of us has ever tasted any intoxicating drink.”
“And do you live hereabouts?” inquired Jacob.