CHAPTER THE SEVENTEENTH--John's LetterIn the comfortable dining-room of Mr. Gillespie's bungalow a merry party was assembled. At the right hand of Mr. Gillespie sat a handsome, well-preserved lady, who was fifty and looked forty-five. At the other end of the table, beside the hostess, was our friend Mr. Halliday, fresh and florid, evidently in the best of health. His neighbour on the right was a slim young girl in black; hers was a tall, well-set-up young man of twenty-five. Opposite these two, in due sequence, were a girl who might have been seventeen, and a youth a year or two older, so much like her that no one could have doubted they were brother and sister.Laughter rang round the table; everybody seemed at the top of cheerfulness, except the girl in black. Even she smiled at a remark addressed to her by Mr. Halliday. There was a pause in the conversation as they devoted themselves to the sweets, which included a wonderful confection of native pine-apples. Then the lady next to Mr. Gillespie, in slow level tones, and with the clear enunciation and scarcely perceptible burr of an educated Scotswoman, said--"He's a dear boy, I'm sure. We could read so well between the lines of his letters that he thought me a very designing woman----""A Delilah, Cousin Sylvia," said Mr. Halliday."You'd be the better for having your hair cut, Cousin David. I shouldn't allude to such a personal matter if I didn't hope that Mrs. Gillespie would back me up.I'vedone my best to improve you, and failed; perhaps public opinion will do some good.""Don't worry, Mrs. Burtenshaw," said Mr. Gillespie. "He'll get a thorough crop before he goes up country, where barbers are unknown.""But it won't matter then, where there's no one to see him.... It was plain John thought his father would marry me----""The other way about, cousin," Mr. Halliday interposed. "He wouldn't suspect me of all men of fortune hunting.""Listen to him!" exclaimed Mrs. Burtenshaw, drawing herself up with an affectation of injured dignity. "If any man wanted to marry me it could only be for my money, you see. As I was saying, John quite expects to be presented with a step-mother, and resents it, like all young things. Joe there wouldn't speak to me for a week when I married poor Burtenshaw. It's a nice kind of jealousy, don't you think so, Mrs. Gillespie?""Just like a dog's," said Mrs. Gillespie, in a tone that made every one laugh. "When we first came out we had a collie that couldn't see my husband put his arm round me without whining to be petted.""John will be flabbergasted when he sees us," said the older of the two young men, referred to by his mother as Joe."Yes, wasn't it funny that he should come across them in the wilds of Africa, and rescue Poll from a game-pit without either of them knowing they were cousins?" said Helen, his sister. "It's quite a romance.""Doesn't he know the relationship now?" asked Mrs. Gillespie."No," said Mr. Halliday, with a chuckle. "I asked him in one of my letters whether he had seen anything of the Brownes. You see, they talked of settling here, before they came into this fortune.""That's all over now, of course," said Mr. Gillespie."I'm not so sure," said Joe Browne. "The people at home were very nice, and all that, but they're too stiff and starched after what we've been used to; wear high collars and kid gloves. I don't fancy Poll and I could settle down to that sort of thing.""And I don't want you to," said Mrs. Burtenshaw. "I don't believe in healthy young men loafing about, and I tell my boys they'll have to work for their living just as if I were a poor woman.""Capital!" said Mr. Gillespie. "And when they see what John has been doing I warrant they'll settle down as neighbours. There'll be quite a little colony of Scotsmen about Alloway soon, for I've no doubt you've Scotch blood in you, Miss Ferrier?""Diluted, Mr. Gillespie," said the girl in black. "My grandfather was a Scotsman, but he married a Frenchwoman--Canadian French, of course. Do you really think my brother will settle here?""Well, I can't exactly say," was Mr. Gillespie's cautious reply. "It seems very probable from what John says in his letters. Don't you like the prospect?""Oh, I shall live with Charley, of course; and if it's really as nice as he says--there isn't any real danger, is there?""A lion among the ladies!" cried Mr. Halliday, and they all laughed, Said Mohammed's quotation being common property among them. "I think you'll find it all right, my dear," he added in his fatherly way. "I dare say John and your brother between them have exterminated the lions in our neighbourhood by this time.""I think Hilda was very plucky to come all this way alone," said Helen. "Ishouldn't have had the courage.""But I wasn't really alone," said Hilda Ferrier. "The people on theMauretaniawere very kind, and I met you on thePalawan, you see. I was thinking more of the natives than of lions: of course, you can shoot lions.""And you can shoot men, my dear," said Mr. Halliday."There, now you've frightened her," said Mrs. Burtenshaw, as a startled look crossed the girl's face. "What an absurd man you are, David! You've told us over and over again that the natives are perfectly friendly.""So we found them, Cousin Sylvia. We had no trouble except with the thieves of our own safari. I grudge them the rifles they stole, that's a fact. I suppose that villain Juma has never dared to show his face in Nairobi again, Gillespie?""Not to my knowledge. He wouldn't bring your rifles if he did.""Why did he steal them, then?" asked Helen."To shoot with, of course," said Oliver Browne. "What a question!""I thought he might want to sell them, or pawn them, or something.""We've no pawn-shops in Nairobi," said Mr. Gillespie, laughing, "though I'm sorry to say we've some Indian money-lenders who've got their clutch on some of our poorer settlers. Juma won't try to sell the rifles here at any rate. I suppose he stole them to shoot with, as your brother says, though I confess it's a little odd. He has been a porter for several years past, and it isn't like porters to give up their trade. Perhaps he has taken a fancy for being independent, and has settled down somewhere with others of his kidney. The rifles would be very useful to him in getting food. He's a scamp, though; for he has unquestionably deserted his wife, who has turned out a capital laundress, John says.""He hasn't been back to the farm?" asked Mr. Halliday."John hasn't said so. I think my notion must be correct, because the man has led an adventurous life, and the only surprising thing is that he should go back to it after years of portering. I believe he once belonged to a party of Arab ivory-dealers--I can't call them hunters, for all they did was to buy, or steal, ivory from the Wanderobbo north of Kenya. They were smashed up a few years ago by a tribe of Embe or Rendili, and Juma was said to be the only one who escaped. He has always been a good porter, except for his temper, and people have put up with that because of his strength and ingenuity.... This is cheese from John's dairy, Mrs. Burtenshaw; I can recommend it."At this point a black servant entered, carrying a letter on a salver."A letter from John himself," said Mr. Gillespie, glancing at the envelope. "Now we shall hear all the news."He broke the envelope and cast his eye over the contents, the others waiting in silence to hear what he had to say. He looked up in a moment and gave a quick glance at Mr. Halliday. Then, still holding the letter, he smiled and said--"Shall we go into the other room, Mother, and digest this letter with some coffee?""Very well, my dear," said Mrs. Gillespie, rising. No one could have detected from her placid face and natural movements that she was aware that something was wrong. Oliver, who was nearest to the door, held it while the ladies passed out, and stood back for the elder men to follow."Go on, my boy," said Mr. Gillespie. "I'll look out some cigars I want you to try; be with you in a moment."He took Mr. Halliday by the arm as he was passing, shut the door, and putting the letter into his hand, said--"Read that!"This is what Mr. Halliday read--DEAR MR. GILLESPIE,The farm has been raided while we were away--got away by a trick. I suspect Juma and his gang. They collared all our rifles and ammunition. Ferrier and I are starting at once to follow them up. I want you to send up somebody at once--a white man--to give an eye to things. I dare say we shall be back by the time he gets here, but it'll be just as well to have somebody on the spot in case we're longer than I expect. Sorry to trouble you, but I've got to teach Juma a lesson.Yours in haste,D. HALLIDAY."That's the explanation!" exclaimed Mr. Halliday. "Can I start to-night?""No. This may be a serious business--the young madcap! I hope he'll turn back if he doesn't catch them at once----""That wouldn't be John. He'll go on till he has thrashed them.""Then heaven help him! Man, he may find himself among a whole tribe of blood-thirsty savages. And the worst of it is we may not reach him in time. It's not merely a question of looking after the farm. We'll start as soon as it's light: I'll get a party together.""The police?""No: can't wait for them. I'll go down to the club and get some fellows I can rely on. We'll go on horses and mules. We had better not alarm the women.""We must tell them something. Better out with it, I think. They'll only think it worse than it is if they see we're keeping something back.""Couldn't be worse. Well, perhaps you are right; but don't let 'em see we're put about.""All right. Give me a cigar."They strolled into the other room smoking, showing no trace of their anxiety. Mrs. Gillespie looked up quickly as her husband entered, but only said--"Come, your coffee is poured out and getting cold.""My own growing, ma'am," said Mr. Gillespie to Mrs. Burtenshaw, as he took his cup, "and I hope you like it.""Mother couldn't say she doesn't, could she?" said Helen archly. "Ilike it very much.""Helen speaks for us all," said Mrs. Burtenshaw. "Well, what does John say?""Any news of the failed B.A.?" asked Joe."He doesn't mention him this time. In fact, it's just a note: you can't call it a letter. He has had to leave the farm for a day or two, and wants me to send up a man to look after things in his absence.""Has Charley gone too?" asked Hilda Ferrier."Yes, they've both gone, or it wouldn't be necessary to ask for a man. It's lucky Mr. Halliday is on the spot, so we shan't have to hire anybody.""Gone shooting, I suppose," said Joe."Or after strayed sheep," said Oliver. "They're always a trouble.""But I don't understand," said Hilda. "You say they have gone: why didn't John get somebody before he went?""That shows it's sheep," replied Oliver quickly. "He'd have to start at once or he wouldn't stand much chance of getting 'em all. That's it, isn't it, Mr. Gillespie?""Well, no, not exactly.""In fact," said Mr. Halliday quietly, "the farm has been robbed, and as there are no policemen in the neighbourhood, John has had to go after the robbers himself.""Gone shooting: I said so," remarked Joe."Don't be absurd, Joe," said Helen."I'm going to take Halliday down to the club, if you'll excuse us," said Mr. Gillespie. "He'll start for the farm to-morrow----""So soon!" interrupted Joe quickly. "I thought we should all go together at the end of the week.""I must go to-morrow," said Mr. Halliday, "and as I shall be off before you're up in the morning I'll say good-bye now. I'll be back in a few days, and then you can all come and view our estate. It's just as well that I am going first, for we shall have to get some rooms ready for you, you know."He shook hands all round, and left with Mr. Gillespie, who had been speaking in an undertone to his wife. Joe Browne followed them from the room."I say, Cousin David," he said, "what's up?"Hesitating a moment, Mr. Halliday put John's note into his hand. Joe whistled softly."I'm coming," he said. "So will Poll. What time do you start?""My dear boy, your mother----""Mother's an old trump. I shall tell her the exact state of the case quietly, of course; I won't scare the girls; and she won't turn a hair. We'll ride, I suppose? You can get us mounts, Mr. Gillespie?""Yes. We'll start at sunrise. You've got khaki and sun helmets?""Of course. We'll be ready, sir, Poll and I."At six o'clock next morning a party of ten rode out of Nairobi. It consisted of the four men we know, with five friends of Mr. Gillespie and a Somali guide. Six were mounted on horses, the rest on mules. Two members of Mr. Gillespie's household watched them leave. One was his wife, who bid them Godspeed at the door; the other was Hilda Ferrier, who had passed a sleepless night, and looked forth from the window of her room with tired and anxious eyes.
CHAPTER THE SEVENTEENTH--John's LetterIn the comfortable dining-room of Mr. Gillespie's bungalow a merry party was assembled. At the right hand of Mr. Gillespie sat a handsome, well-preserved lady, who was fifty and looked forty-five. At the other end of the table, beside the hostess, was our friend Mr. Halliday, fresh and florid, evidently in the best of health. His neighbour on the right was a slim young girl in black; hers was a tall, well-set-up young man of twenty-five. Opposite these two, in due sequence, were a girl who might have been seventeen, and a youth a year or two older, so much like her that no one could have doubted they were brother and sister.Laughter rang round the table; everybody seemed at the top of cheerfulness, except the girl in black. Even she smiled at a remark addressed to her by Mr. Halliday. There was a pause in the conversation as they devoted themselves to the sweets, which included a wonderful confection of native pine-apples. Then the lady next to Mr. Gillespie, in slow level tones, and with the clear enunciation and scarcely perceptible burr of an educated Scotswoman, said--"He's a dear boy, I'm sure. We could read so well between the lines of his letters that he thought me a very designing woman----""A Delilah, Cousin Sylvia," said Mr. Halliday."You'd be the better for having your hair cut, Cousin David. I shouldn't allude to such a personal matter if I didn't hope that Mrs. Gillespie would back me up.I'vedone my best to improve you, and failed; perhaps public opinion will do some good.""Don't worry, Mrs. Burtenshaw," said Mr. Gillespie. "He'll get a thorough crop before he goes up country, where barbers are unknown.""But it won't matter then, where there's no one to see him.... It was plain John thought his father would marry me----""The other way about, cousin," Mr. Halliday interposed. "He wouldn't suspect me of all men of fortune hunting.""Listen to him!" exclaimed Mrs. Burtenshaw, drawing herself up with an affectation of injured dignity. "If any man wanted to marry me it could only be for my money, you see. As I was saying, John quite expects to be presented with a step-mother, and resents it, like all young things. Joe there wouldn't speak to me for a week when I married poor Burtenshaw. It's a nice kind of jealousy, don't you think so, Mrs. Gillespie?""Just like a dog's," said Mrs. Gillespie, in a tone that made every one laugh. "When we first came out we had a collie that couldn't see my husband put his arm round me without whining to be petted.""John will be flabbergasted when he sees us," said the older of the two young men, referred to by his mother as Joe."Yes, wasn't it funny that he should come across them in the wilds of Africa, and rescue Poll from a game-pit without either of them knowing they were cousins?" said Helen, his sister. "It's quite a romance.""Doesn't he know the relationship now?" asked Mrs. Gillespie."No," said Mr. Halliday, with a chuckle. "I asked him in one of my letters whether he had seen anything of the Brownes. You see, they talked of settling here, before they came into this fortune.""That's all over now, of course," said Mr. Gillespie."I'm not so sure," said Joe Browne. "The people at home were very nice, and all that, but they're too stiff and starched after what we've been used to; wear high collars and kid gloves. I don't fancy Poll and I could settle down to that sort of thing.""And I don't want you to," said Mrs. Burtenshaw. "I don't believe in healthy young men loafing about, and I tell my boys they'll have to work for their living just as if I were a poor woman.""Capital!" said Mr. Gillespie. "And when they see what John has been doing I warrant they'll settle down as neighbours. There'll be quite a little colony of Scotsmen about Alloway soon, for I've no doubt you've Scotch blood in you, Miss Ferrier?""Diluted, Mr. Gillespie," said the girl in black. "My grandfather was a Scotsman, but he married a Frenchwoman--Canadian French, of course. Do you really think my brother will settle here?""Well, I can't exactly say," was Mr. Gillespie's cautious reply. "It seems very probable from what John says in his letters. Don't you like the prospect?""Oh, I shall live with Charley, of course; and if it's really as nice as he says--there isn't any real danger, is there?""A lion among the ladies!" cried Mr. Halliday, and they all laughed, Said Mohammed's quotation being common property among them. "I think you'll find it all right, my dear," he added in his fatherly way. "I dare say John and your brother between them have exterminated the lions in our neighbourhood by this time.""I think Hilda was very plucky to come all this way alone," said Helen. "Ishouldn't have had the courage.""But I wasn't really alone," said Hilda Ferrier. "The people on theMauretaniawere very kind, and I met you on thePalawan, you see. I was thinking more of the natives than of lions: of course, you can shoot lions.""And you can shoot men, my dear," said Mr. Halliday."There, now you've frightened her," said Mrs. Burtenshaw, as a startled look crossed the girl's face. "What an absurd man you are, David! You've told us over and over again that the natives are perfectly friendly.""So we found them, Cousin Sylvia. We had no trouble except with the thieves of our own safari. I grudge them the rifles they stole, that's a fact. I suppose that villain Juma has never dared to show his face in Nairobi again, Gillespie?""Not to my knowledge. He wouldn't bring your rifles if he did.""Why did he steal them, then?" asked Helen."To shoot with, of course," said Oliver Browne. "What a question!""I thought he might want to sell them, or pawn them, or something.""We've no pawn-shops in Nairobi," said Mr. Gillespie, laughing, "though I'm sorry to say we've some Indian money-lenders who've got their clutch on some of our poorer settlers. Juma won't try to sell the rifles here at any rate. I suppose he stole them to shoot with, as your brother says, though I confess it's a little odd. He has been a porter for several years past, and it isn't like porters to give up their trade. Perhaps he has taken a fancy for being independent, and has settled down somewhere with others of his kidney. The rifles would be very useful to him in getting food. He's a scamp, though; for he has unquestionably deserted his wife, who has turned out a capital laundress, John says.""He hasn't been back to the farm?" asked Mr. Halliday."John hasn't said so. I think my notion must be correct, because the man has led an adventurous life, and the only surprising thing is that he should go back to it after years of portering. I believe he once belonged to a party of Arab ivory-dealers--I can't call them hunters, for all they did was to buy, or steal, ivory from the Wanderobbo north of Kenya. They were smashed up a few years ago by a tribe of Embe or Rendili, and Juma was said to be the only one who escaped. He has always been a good porter, except for his temper, and people have put up with that because of his strength and ingenuity.... This is cheese from John's dairy, Mrs. Burtenshaw; I can recommend it."At this point a black servant entered, carrying a letter on a salver."A letter from John himself," said Mr. Gillespie, glancing at the envelope. "Now we shall hear all the news."He broke the envelope and cast his eye over the contents, the others waiting in silence to hear what he had to say. He looked up in a moment and gave a quick glance at Mr. Halliday. Then, still holding the letter, he smiled and said--"Shall we go into the other room, Mother, and digest this letter with some coffee?""Very well, my dear," said Mrs. Gillespie, rising. No one could have detected from her placid face and natural movements that she was aware that something was wrong. Oliver, who was nearest to the door, held it while the ladies passed out, and stood back for the elder men to follow."Go on, my boy," said Mr. Gillespie. "I'll look out some cigars I want you to try; be with you in a moment."He took Mr. Halliday by the arm as he was passing, shut the door, and putting the letter into his hand, said--"Read that!"This is what Mr. Halliday read--DEAR MR. GILLESPIE,The farm has been raided while we were away--got away by a trick. I suspect Juma and his gang. They collared all our rifles and ammunition. Ferrier and I are starting at once to follow them up. I want you to send up somebody at once--a white man--to give an eye to things. I dare say we shall be back by the time he gets here, but it'll be just as well to have somebody on the spot in case we're longer than I expect. Sorry to trouble you, but I've got to teach Juma a lesson.Yours in haste,D. HALLIDAY."That's the explanation!" exclaimed Mr. Halliday. "Can I start to-night?""No. This may be a serious business--the young madcap! I hope he'll turn back if he doesn't catch them at once----""That wouldn't be John. He'll go on till he has thrashed them.""Then heaven help him! Man, he may find himself among a whole tribe of blood-thirsty savages. And the worst of it is we may not reach him in time. It's not merely a question of looking after the farm. We'll start as soon as it's light: I'll get a party together.""The police?""No: can't wait for them. I'll go down to the club and get some fellows I can rely on. We'll go on horses and mules. We had better not alarm the women.""We must tell them something. Better out with it, I think. They'll only think it worse than it is if they see we're keeping something back.""Couldn't be worse. Well, perhaps you are right; but don't let 'em see we're put about.""All right. Give me a cigar."They strolled into the other room smoking, showing no trace of their anxiety. Mrs. Gillespie looked up quickly as her husband entered, but only said--"Come, your coffee is poured out and getting cold.""My own growing, ma'am," said Mr. Gillespie to Mrs. Burtenshaw, as he took his cup, "and I hope you like it.""Mother couldn't say she doesn't, could she?" said Helen archly. "Ilike it very much.""Helen speaks for us all," said Mrs. Burtenshaw. "Well, what does John say?""Any news of the failed B.A.?" asked Joe."He doesn't mention him this time. In fact, it's just a note: you can't call it a letter. He has had to leave the farm for a day or two, and wants me to send up a man to look after things in his absence.""Has Charley gone too?" asked Hilda Ferrier."Yes, they've both gone, or it wouldn't be necessary to ask for a man. It's lucky Mr. Halliday is on the spot, so we shan't have to hire anybody.""Gone shooting, I suppose," said Joe."Or after strayed sheep," said Oliver. "They're always a trouble.""But I don't understand," said Hilda. "You say they have gone: why didn't John get somebody before he went?""That shows it's sheep," replied Oliver quickly. "He'd have to start at once or he wouldn't stand much chance of getting 'em all. That's it, isn't it, Mr. Gillespie?""Well, no, not exactly.""In fact," said Mr. Halliday quietly, "the farm has been robbed, and as there are no policemen in the neighbourhood, John has had to go after the robbers himself.""Gone shooting: I said so," remarked Joe."Don't be absurd, Joe," said Helen."I'm going to take Halliday down to the club, if you'll excuse us," said Mr. Gillespie. "He'll start for the farm to-morrow----""So soon!" interrupted Joe quickly. "I thought we should all go together at the end of the week.""I must go to-morrow," said Mr. Halliday, "and as I shall be off before you're up in the morning I'll say good-bye now. I'll be back in a few days, and then you can all come and view our estate. It's just as well that I am going first, for we shall have to get some rooms ready for you, you know."He shook hands all round, and left with Mr. Gillespie, who had been speaking in an undertone to his wife. Joe Browne followed them from the room."I say, Cousin David," he said, "what's up?"Hesitating a moment, Mr. Halliday put John's note into his hand. Joe whistled softly."I'm coming," he said. "So will Poll. What time do you start?""My dear boy, your mother----""Mother's an old trump. I shall tell her the exact state of the case quietly, of course; I won't scare the girls; and she won't turn a hair. We'll ride, I suppose? You can get us mounts, Mr. Gillespie?""Yes. We'll start at sunrise. You've got khaki and sun helmets?""Of course. We'll be ready, sir, Poll and I."At six o'clock next morning a party of ten rode out of Nairobi. It consisted of the four men we know, with five friends of Mr. Gillespie and a Somali guide. Six were mounted on horses, the rest on mules. Two members of Mr. Gillespie's household watched them leave. One was his wife, who bid them Godspeed at the door; the other was Hilda Ferrier, who had passed a sleepless night, and looked forth from the window of her room with tired and anxious eyes.
In the comfortable dining-room of Mr. Gillespie's bungalow a merry party was assembled. At the right hand of Mr. Gillespie sat a handsome, well-preserved lady, who was fifty and looked forty-five. At the other end of the table, beside the hostess, was our friend Mr. Halliday, fresh and florid, evidently in the best of health. His neighbour on the right was a slim young girl in black; hers was a tall, well-set-up young man of twenty-five. Opposite these two, in due sequence, were a girl who might have been seventeen, and a youth a year or two older, so much like her that no one could have doubted they were brother and sister.
Laughter rang round the table; everybody seemed at the top of cheerfulness, except the girl in black. Even she smiled at a remark addressed to her by Mr. Halliday. There was a pause in the conversation as they devoted themselves to the sweets, which included a wonderful confection of native pine-apples. Then the lady next to Mr. Gillespie, in slow level tones, and with the clear enunciation and scarcely perceptible burr of an educated Scotswoman, said--
"He's a dear boy, I'm sure. We could read so well between the lines of his letters that he thought me a very designing woman----"
"A Delilah, Cousin Sylvia," said Mr. Halliday.
"You'd be the better for having your hair cut, Cousin David. I shouldn't allude to such a personal matter if I didn't hope that Mrs. Gillespie would back me up.I'vedone my best to improve you, and failed; perhaps public opinion will do some good."
"Don't worry, Mrs. Burtenshaw," said Mr. Gillespie. "He'll get a thorough crop before he goes up country, where barbers are unknown."
"But it won't matter then, where there's no one to see him.... It was plain John thought his father would marry me----"
"The other way about, cousin," Mr. Halliday interposed. "He wouldn't suspect me of all men of fortune hunting."
"Listen to him!" exclaimed Mrs. Burtenshaw, drawing herself up with an affectation of injured dignity. "If any man wanted to marry me it could only be for my money, you see. As I was saying, John quite expects to be presented with a step-mother, and resents it, like all young things. Joe there wouldn't speak to me for a week when I married poor Burtenshaw. It's a nice kind of jealousy, don't you think so, Mrs. Gillespie?"
"Just like a dog's," said Mrs. Gillespie, in a tone that made every one laugh. "When we first came out we had a collie that couldn't see my husband put his arm round me without whining to be petted."
"John will be flabbergasted when he sees us," said the older of the two young men, referred to by his mother as Joe.
"Yes, wasn't it funny that he should come across them in the wilds of Africa, and rescue Poll from a game-pit without either of them knowing they were cousins?" said Helen, his sister. "It's quite a romance."
"Doesn't he know the relationship now?" asked Mrs. Gillespie.
"No," said Mr. Halliday, with a chuckle. "I asked him in one of my letters whether he had seen anything of the Brownes. You see, they talked of settling here, before they came into this fortune."
"That's all over now, of course," said Mr. Gillespie.
"I'm not so sure," said Joe Browne. "The people at home were very nice, and all that, but they're too stiff and starched after what we've been used to; wear high collars and kid gloves. I don't fancy Poll and I could settle down to that sort of thing."
"And I don't want you to," said Mrs. Burtenshaw. "I don't believe in healthy young men loafing about, and I tell my boys they'll have to work for their living just as if I were a poor woman."
"Capital!" said Mr. Gillespie. "And when they see what John has been doing I warrant they'll settle down as neighbours. There'll be quite a little colony of Scotsmen about Alloway soon, for I've no doubt you've Scotch blood in you, Miss Ferrier?"
"Diluted, Mr. Gillespie," said the girl in black. "My grandfather was a Scotsman, but he married a Frenchwoman--Canadian French, of course. Do you really think my brother will settle here?"
"Well, I can't exactly say," was Mr. Gillespie's cautious reply. "It seems very probable from what John says in his letters. Don't you like the prospect?"
"Oh, I shall live with Charley, of course; and if it's really as nice as he says--there isn't any real danger, is there?"
"A lion among the ladies!" cried Mr. Halliday, and they all laughed, Said Mohammed's quotation being common property among them. "I think you'll find it all right, my dear," he added in his fatherly way. "I dare say John and your brother between them have exterminated the lions in our neighbourhood by this time."
"I think Hilda was very plucky to come all this way alone," said Helen. "Ishouldn't have had the courage."
"But I wasn't really alone," said Hilda Ferrier. "The people on theMauretaniawere very kind, and I met you on thePalawan, you see. I was thinking more of the natives than of lions: of course, you can shoot lions."
"And you can shoot men, my dear," said Mr. Halliday.
"There, now you've frightened her," said Mrs. Burtenshaw, as a startled look crossed the girl's face. "What an absurd man you are, David! You've told us over and over again that the natives are perfectly friendly."
"So we found them, Cousin Sylvia. We had no trouble except with the thieves of our own safari. I grudge them the rifles they stole, that's a fact. I suppose that villain Juma has never dared to show his face in Nairobi again, Gillespie?"
"Not to my knowledge. He wouldn't bring your rifles if he did."
"Why did he steal them, then?" asked Helen.
"To shoot with, of course," said Oliver Browne. "What a question!"
"I thought he might want to sell them, or pawn them, or something."
"We've no pawn-shops in Nairobi," said Mr. Gillespie, laughing, "though I'm sorry to say we've some Indian money-lenders who've got their clutch on some of our poorer settlers. Juma won't try to sell the rifles here at any rate. I suppose he stole them to shoot with, as your brother says, though I confess it's a little odd. He has been a porter for several years past, and it isn't like porters to give up their trade. Perhaps he has taken a fancy for being independent, and has settled down somewhere with others of his kidney. The rifles would be very useful to him in getting food. He's a scamp, though; for he has unquestionably deserted his wife, who has turned out a capital laundress, John says."
"He hasn't been back to the farm?" asked Mr. Halliday.
"John hasn't said so. I think my notion must be correct, because the man has led an adventurous life, and the only surprising thing is that he should go back to it after years of portering. I believe he once belonged to a party of Arab ivory-dealers--I can't call them hunters, for all they did was to buy, or steal, ivory from the Wanderobbo north of Kenya. They were smashed up a few years ago by a tribe of Embe or Rendili, and Juma was said to be the only one who escaped. He has always been a good porter, except for his temper, and people have put up with that because of his strength and ingenuity.... This is cheese from John's dairy, Mrs. Burtenshaw; I can recommend it."
At this point a black servant entered, carrying a letter on a salver.
"A letter from John himself," said Mr. Gillespie, glancing at the envelope. "Now we shall hear all the news."
He broke the envelope and cast his eye over the contents, the others waiting in silence to hear what he had to say. He looked up in a moment and gave a quick glance at Mr. Halliday. Then, still holding the letter, he smiled and said--
"Shall we go into the other room, Mother, and digest this letter with some coffee?"
"Very well, my dear," said Mrs. Gillespie, rising. No one could have detected from her placid face and natural movements that she was aware that something was wrong. Oliver, who was nearest to the door, held it while the ladies passed out, and stood back for the elder men to follow.
"Go on, my boy," said Mr. Gillespie. "I'll look out some cigars I want you to try; be with you in a moment."
He took Mr. Halliday by the arm as he was passing, shut the door, and putting the letter into his hand, said--
"Read that!"
This is what Mr. Halliday read--
DEAR MR. GILLESPIE,
The farm has been raided while we were away--got away by a trick. I suspect Juma and his gang. They collared all our rifles and ammunition. Ferrier and I are starting at once to follow them up. I want you to send up somebody at once--a white man--to give an eye to things. I dare say we shall be back by the time he gets here, but it'll be just as well to have somebody on the spot in case we're longer than I expect. Sorry to trouble you, but I've got to teach Juma a lesson.
D. HALLIDAY.
D. HALLIDAY.
"That's the explanation!" exclaimed Mr. Halliday. "Can I start to-night?"
"No. This may be a serious business--the young madcap! I hope he'll turn back if he doesn't catch them at once----"
"That wouldn't be John. He'll go on till he has thrashed them."
"Then heaven help him! Man, he may find himself among a whole tribe of blood-thirsty savages. And the worst of it is we may not reach him in time. It's not merely a question of looking after the farm. We'll start as soon as it's light: I'll get a party together."
"The police?"
"No: can't wait for them. I'll go down to the club and get some fellows I can rely on. We'll go on horses and mules. We had better not alarm the women."
"We must tell them something. Better out with it, I think. They'll only think it worse than it is if they see we're keeping something back."
"Couldn't be worse. Well, perhaps you are right; but don't let 'em see we're put about."
"All right. Give me a cigar."
They strolled into the other room smoking, showing no trace of their anxiety. Mrs. Gillespie looked up quickly as her husband entered, but only said--
"Come, your coffee is poured out and getting cold."
"My own growing, ma'am," said Mr. Gillespie to Mrs. Burtenshaw, as he took his cup, "and I hope you like it."
"Mother couldn't say she doesn't, could she?" said Helen archly. "Ilike it very much."
"Helen speaks for us all," said Mrs. Burtenshaw. "Well, what does John say?"
"Any news of the failed B.A.?" asked Joe.
"He doesn't mention him this time. In fact, it's just a note: you can't call it a letter. He has had to leave the farm for a day or two, and wants me to send up a man to look after things in his absence."
"Has Charley gone too?" asked Hilda Ferrier.
"Yes, they've both gone, or it wouldn't be necessary to ask for a man. It's lucky Mr. Halliday is on the spot, so we shan't have to hire anybody."
"Gone shooting, I suppose," said Joe.
"Or after strayed sheep," said Oliver. "They're always a trouble."
"But I don't understand," said Hilda. "You say they have gone: why didn't John get somebody before he went?"
"That shows it's sheep," replied Oliver quickly. "He'd have to start at once or he wouldn't stand much chance of getting 'em all. That's it, isn't it, Mr. Gillespie?"
"Well, no, not exactly."
"In fact," said Mr. Halliday quietly, "the farm has been robbed, and as there are no policemen in the neighbourhood, John has had to go after the robbers himself."
"Gone shooting: I said so," remarked Joe.
"Don't be absurd, Joe," said Helen.
"I'm going to take Halliday down to the club, if you'll excuse us," said Mr. Gillespie. "He'll start for the farm to-morrow----"
"So soon!" interrupted Joe quickly. "I thought we should all go together at the end of the week."
"I must go to-morrow," said Mr. Halliday, "and as I shall be off before you're up in the morning I'll say good-bye now. I'll be back in a few days, and then you can all come and view our estate. It's just as well that I am going first, for we shall have to get some rooms ready for you, you know."
He shook hands all round, and left with Mr. Gillespie, who had been speaking in an undertone to his wife. Joe Browne followed them from the room.
"I say, Cousin David," he said, "what's up?"
Hesitating a moment, Mr. Halliday put John's note into his hand. Joe whistled softly.
"I'm coming," he said. "So will Poll. What time do you start?"
"My dear boy, your mother----"
"Mother's an old trump. I shall tell her the exact state of the case quietly, of course; I won't scare the girls; and she won't turn a hair. We'll ride, I suppose? You can get us mounts, Mr. Gillespie?"
"Yes. We'll start at sunrise. You've got khaki and sun helmets?"
"Of course. We'll be ready, sir, Poll and I."
At six o'clock next morning a party of ten rode out of Nairobi. It consisted of the four men we know, with five friends of Mr. Gillespie and a Somali guide. Six were mounted on horses, the rest on mules. Two members of Mr. Gillespie's household watched them leave. One was his wife, who bid them Godspeed at the door; the other was Hilda Ferrier, who had passed a sleepless night, and looked forth from the window of her room with tired and anxious eyes.