Pat at once handed over the Kruger sovereigns to the big burgher, whose face instantly assumed a suaver expression.
"We British try to be just," said Jack in Dutch. "I am sorry that my father's servant took the money from you. Do you mind telling me where you obtained these?" Saying this, Jack showed the crystals to the burgher.
"I picked them up in a sluit not far from here. I thought they would make a necklace for my daughter."
"And you know what they are?" inquired Jack.
"Crystals," answered the Boer. "They are very plentiful in my country, but have not the same yellow colour as these."
"Will you sell them to me?" asked Jack.
"No, I will not take anything," answered the burgher; "I will give them to you. You have restored my money, and I am content."
Jack Lovat was honest, and as he turned away with Sergeant Morton, said to the Boer, "I will see you again."
Jack and his New Zealand friend returned to the house, and for an hour were shut up in the former's room.
Morton examined the crystals very carefully, while Jack awaited his verdict with considerable anxiety. At last the New Zealander spoke.