"After killing one of my best burghers," said the Boer leader in a stern tone of voice.
"You say so," said Jack. "It is a time of war, and many men are being killed daily. I have come to ask about my father's money, of which he was robbed at Jagger's Farm. He was not, and is not even now, at war with your race."
"I have not your father's money," observed Uys. "If I had, I would restore it to you. I cannot always restrain my burghers."
"But you are responsible for their actions, Commandant," said Jack boldly. "Your men also without provocation attacked my father's farm, but our Kaffirs and I repelled their assault."
"One question, youngster. I have given you an honest answer to a straight question. Who was your companion when we captured you in the donga?" asked Uys.
"He is here to answer for himself, Commandant. His name is Morton;" and Jack stepped to one side, saying as he did so, "Allow me, Commandant, to introduce Sergeant Morton of the Auckland Rangers to you."
The Boer leader frowned, and muttered, "I thought so! He is a lucky fellow."
Finding that he could derive no satisfaction from the answers given to his inquiries respecting his father's money, Jack bowed to the commandant and retired.
A couple of hours later, our hero found himself at the Kopje Farm, relating to his parents the adventures of the day, and when he flung himself on his bed, he felt that peace once more had come to dwell around his father's farmstead.
* * * * * *