"It's going to be the biggest coup ever effected in South Africa," continued the calm, confident voice. "I believe that in the Vaarg Valley we have another Kafangaland, although, of course, on a smaller scale."
"As good as that!" exclaimed the Earl.
"Yes, I believe so. I spent the whole of yesterday at the Colonial Office; the railway concessions have been granted, and practically everything is settled. Not one of our rivals dreams that we are making any move. Like myself, they are now all holiday-making. Even old Vorenbeck is in London staying at the Victoria."
"And what have you arranged?"
"Forster will leave on Saturday in the Tantallon Castle, with full authority to act on our behalf. In this wallet are all the plans, complete to the minutest detail, and also his instructions as to how to proceed."
"By Jove!" put in the Earl, "wouldn't old Vorenbeck, or rather Germany, give something for the contents of that wallet!"
"Vorenbeck, the old scoundrel," replied Winn, with a laugh, "would give anything up to twenty thousand pounds for the contents of that wallet, provided they were in his hands by to-morrow evening. But that contingency need not be entertained, for it will not leave my person until I hand it myself to Forster on Saturday."
Inside the library, the Figaro had slipped quietly to the ground, and the Count was staring hard in front of him, a curious expression in his eyes, as he pulled thoughtfully with one hand at his moustache.
There was a clatter of feet on the terrace, and the children ran up to their uncle. They were followed by Lady Dorothy, who shot a playfully reproachful glance at Winn. She had been dismissed by old Lady Steele as an incompetent reader.
"Kafanga, toujours Kafanga!" she said, with a smile.