"Dick，"saidPhoebe，"there'sachange。I'llneverpartwithhim:
　　andlook，there'sColliefollowinghim，thatnevercouldabidehim。"
　　"Partwithhim?"saidReginald。"Ofcoursenot。Heisagentleman，andtheyarenotsocommoninAfrica。"
　　Dick，whohatedFalcon，ignoredthisspeechentirely，andsaid，"Well，Pheeb，youandColliearewiserthanIam。Takeyourownway，anddon'tblamemeifanythinghappens。"
　　SoonChristopherpaidthepenaltyofreturningreason。Hesufferedallthepoignantagonyagreatheartcanendure。
　　Sothiswashisrewardforhisgreatactofself-denialinleavinghisbelovedwife。Hehadlosthispatient；hehadlosttheincomefromthatpatient；hiswifewasworseoffthanbefore，andhaddoubtlesssufferedtheanguishofalovingheartbereaved。Hismind，whichnowseemedmorevigorousthanever，afteritslongrest，placedherbeforehisveryeyes，pale，andwornwithgrief，inherwidow'scap。
　　Atthepicture，hecriedliketherain。Hecouldgiveherjoy，bywriting；buthecouldnotpreventherfromsufferingawholeyearofmisery。
　　Turningthisoverinconnectionwiththeirpoverty，hisevilgeniuswhispered，"Bythistimeshehasreceivedthesixthousandpoundsforyourdeath。SHEwouldneverthinkofthat；butherfatherhas:
　　andthereishercomfortassured，inspiteofthecaitiffswholeftherhusbandtodrownlikeadog。
　　"IknowmyRosa，"hethought。"Shehasswooned——ah，mypoordarling——shehasraved——shehaswept，"hewepthimselfatthethought——"shehasmournedeveryindiscreetact，asifitwasacrime。ButsheHASdoneallthis。Hergoodandlovingbutshallownatureisnowatrestfromtheagoniesofbereavement，andnoughtremainsbutsadandtenderregrets。Shecanbetterendurethatthanpoverty:cursedpoverty，whichhasbroughtherandmetothis，andistheonlyrealevilintheworld，butbodilypain。"
　　Thencameastruggle，thatlastedawholeweek，andknittedhisbrows，andtookthecolorfromhischeek；butitendedinthetriumphofloveandhate，overconscienceandcommonsense。HisRosashouldnotbepoor；andhewouldcheatsomeofthosecontemptiblecreaturescalledmen，whohaddonehimnothingbutinjustice，andatlasthadsacrificedhislifelikearat's。
　　Whenthestrugglewasover，andthefatalresolutiontaken，thenhebecamecalmer，lesssolitary，andmoresociable。
　　Phoebe，whowassecretlywatchinghimwithawoman'seye，observedthischangeinhim，and，withbenevolentintentions，invitedhimonedaytorideroundthefarmwithher。Heconsentedreadily。
　　Sheshowedhimthefieldsdevotedtomaizeandwheat，andthenthesheepfolds。Tim'ssheepwereapparentlydeserted；buthewasdiscoveredswingingheaddownwardsfromthebranchofacamel-
　　thorn，andseeinghim，itdidstrikeonethatifhehadhadatailhewouldhavebeenswingingbythat。Phoebecalledtohim:heneveranswered，butsetoffrunningtoher，andlandedhimselfunderhernoseinawheelsomersault。
　　"Ihopeyouarewatchingthem，Tim，"saidhismistress。
　　"Iss，missy，alwayswashing'em。"
　　"Why，there'sonestrayingtowardsthewoodnow。"
　　"Henotgofar，"saidTimcoolly。Theyoungmonkeystoleoffalittleway，thenfellflat，andutteredthecryofajackal，withstartlingprecision。Backwentthesheeptohiscomradesposthaste，andTimeffectedasomersaultandachuckle。
　　"Youareacleverboy，"saidPhoebe。"Sothatishowyoumanagethem。"
　　"Datoneway，missy，"saidTim，notcaringtorevealallhisresourcesatonce。
　　ThenPhoeberodeon，andshowedChristophertheostrichpan。Itwasalargebasin，aformthesoiloftentakesintheseparts；andinitstruttedseveralfull-grownostrichesandtheiryoung，bredonthepremises。Therewasalittledamofwater，andplentyoffoodabout。TheywereherdedbyaKafirinfantofaboutsix，black，glossy，fat，andclean，beinginthewatersixtimesaday。
　　Sometimesoneoftheolderbirdswouldshowaninclinationtostrayoutofthepan。Thentheinfantrolledafterher，andtappedherankleswithawand。Sheinstantlycameback，butwithoutanylossofdignity，forshestruttedwithhernoseintheair，affectingcompletelytoignoretheinferiorlittleanimal，thatwasneverthelesscontrollinghermovements。"There'safarce，"saidPhoebe。"Butyouwouldnotbelievethemoneytheycostme，northemoneytheybringmein。Grainwillnotsellhereforaquarteritsvalue:andwecan'taffordtosendittoCapeTown，twentydaysandback；butfinery，thatsellseverywhere。Igathersixtypoundstheyearoffthosepoorfowls'backs——clearprofit。"
　　Sheshowedhimthegranary，andtoldhimtherewasn'tsuchanotherinAfrica。ThisfarmhadbelongedtooneoftheoldDutchsettlers，andthatbreedhadbeengoingdownthismanyayear。
　　"Yousee，sir，DickandIbeingEnglish，andnotdownrightinwantofmoney，wecan'tbringourselvestosellgraintothemiddlemenfornothing，sowestoreit，hopingforbettertimes，thatmaybewillnevercome。NowI'llshowyouhowthedamismade。"
　　Theyinspectedthedamallround。"Thisisourbestfriendofall，"saidshe。"Withoutthisthesunwouldturnusalltotinder，——crops，flowers，beasts，andfolk。"
　　"Oh，indeed，"saidStaines。"Thenitisapityyouhavenotbuiltitmorescientifically。Imusthavealookatthis。"
　　"Aydo，sir，andadviseusifyouseeanythingwrong。Buthark!itismilkingtime。Comeandseethat。"Sosheledthewaytosomesheds，andtheretheyfoundseveralcowsbeingmilked，eachbyalittlecalfandalittleHottentotatthesametime，andbothfightingandjostlingeachotherfortheudder。Nowandthenayoungcow，unusedtoincongruoustwins，wouldkickimpatientlyatbothanimalsandscatterthem。
　　"Thatistheirway，"saidPhoebe:"theyhavegotitintotheirsillyHottentotheadsaskyewon'tyieldtheirmilkifthecalfistakenaway；anditisnousearguingwith'em；theywillhavetheirownway；buttheyareverytrustyandhonest，poorthings。Wesoonfoundthatout。Whenwecameherefirstitwasinahiredwagon，andHottentotdrivers:sowhenwecametosettleImadereadyforabitofawrangle。ButmymaidSophy，thatisnursenow，andagreatdespiserofheathens，shesays，'Don'tyoutrouble；themnastyignorantblacksneverchargesmorethantheirdue。''I
　　forgive'em，'saysI；'Iwishallwhitefolkwasasnice。'
　　However，Ididgivethematrifleover，forluck:andthentheygottogetherandchatteredsomethingnearthedoor，handinhand。'La，Sophy，'saysI，'whatisupnow?'Saysshe，'Theyareblessingofus。Thingsiscometoaprettypass，forignorantMuslinmenheathentobeblessingChristianfolk。''Well，'saysI，'itwon'thurtusany。''Idon'tknow，'saysshe。'Idon'twantthedevilprayedoverme。'Soshecockedthatlongnoseofhersandfolloweditinadoors。"
　　Bythistimetheywerenearthehouse，andPhoebewasobligedtocometoherpostscript，forthesakeofwhich，believeme，shehadutteredeverysyllableofthisvariedchat。"Well，sir，"saidshe，affectingtoproceedwithoutanyconsiderablechangeoftopic，"andhowdoyoufindyourself?Haveyoudiscoveredthepast?"
　　"Ihave，madam。Iremembereveryleadingincidentofmylife。"
　　"Andhasitmadeyouhappier?"saidPhoebesoftly。
　　"No，"saidChristophergravely。"Memoryhasbroughtmemisery。"
　　"Ifearedasmuch；foryouhavelostyourfinecolor，andyoureyesarehollow，andlinesonyourpoorbrowthatwerenottherebefore。
　　Areyounotsorryyouhavediscoveredthepast?"
　　"No，Mrs。Falcon。Givemethesovereigngiftofreason，withallthetortureitcaninflict。IthankGodforreturningmemory，evenwiththemiseryitbrings。"
　　Phoebewassilentalongtime:thenshesaidinalow，gentlevoice，andwiththeindirectnessofatrulyfemininenature，"I
　　haveplentyofwriting-paperinthehouse；andthepostgoessouthto-morrow，suchas'tis。"
　　Christopherstruggledwithhismisery，andtrembled。
　　Hewassilentalongtime。Thenhesaid，"No。ItisherinterestthatIshouldbedead。"
　　"Well，but，sir——takeathought。"
　　"Notawordmore，Iimploreyou。Iamthemostmiserablemanthateverbreathed。"Ashespoke，twobittertearsforcedtheirway。
　　Phoebecastalookofpityonhim，andsaidnomore；butsheshookherhead。Herplaincommonsenserevolted。
　　However，itdidnotfollowhewouldbeinthesamemindnextweek:
　　soshewasinexcellentspiritsatherprotege'srecovery，andveryproudofhercure，andcelebratedtheeventwitharoaringsupper，includinganEnglishham，andabottleofportwine；and，tentoone，thatwasEnglishtoo。
　　DickDalelookedalittleincredulous，buthedidnotsparethehamanythemoreforthat。
　　Aftersupper，inapauseofconversation，StainesturnedtoDick，andsaid，ratherabruptly，"Supposethatdamofyoursweretoburstandemptyitscontents，woulditnotbeagreatmisfortunetoyou?"
　　"Misfortune，sir!Don'ttalkofit。Why，itwouldruinus，beastandbody。"
　　"Well，itwillburst，ifitisnotlookedto。"
　　"Dale'sKloofdamburst!thebiggestandstrongestforahundredmilesround。"
　　"Youdeceiveyourself。Itisnotscientificallybuilt，tobegin，andthereisacauseatworkthatwillinfalliblyburstit，ifnotlookedtointime。"
　　"Andwhatisthat，sir?"
　　"Thedamisfullofcrabs。"
　　"So'tis；butwhatofthem?"
　　"Idetectedtwoofthemthathadperforatedthedykefromthewetsidetothedry，andwaterwastricklingthroughthechanneltheyhadmade。Now，formetocatchtwothathadcomerightthrough，theremustbeagreatmanyatworkhoneycombingyourdyke；thosechannels，oncemade，willbeenlargedbythepermeatingwater，andamerecupfulofwaterforcedintoadykebythegreatpressureofaheavycolumnhasanexpansivepowerquiteoutofproportiontothequantityforcedin。Colossaldykeshavebeenburstinthiswaywithdisastrouseffects。Indeed，itisonlyaquestionoftime，andIwouldnotguaranteeyourdyketwelvehours。Itisfull，too，withtheheavyrains。"
　　"Here'sago!"saidDick，turningpale。"Well，ifitistoburst，itmust。"
　　"Whyso?Youcanmakeitsafeinafewhours。Youhavegotaclumsycontrivanceforlettingofftheexcessofwater:letusgoandrelievethedamatonceoftwofeetofwater。Thatwillmakeitsafeforadayortwo，andto-morrowwewillpuddleitafresh，anddemolishthosebusyexcavators。"
　　Hespokewithsuchauthorityandearnestness，thattheyallgotupfromtable；ahornwasblownthatsoonbroughttheHottentots，andtheyallproceededtothedam。Withinfinitedifficultytheyopenedthewastesluice，loweredthewatertwofeet，andsodrenchedthearidsoilthatinforty-eighthoursflowersunknownsprangup。
　　Nextmorning，underthedoctor'sorders，alltheblackmenandboysweredivingwithlumpsofstiffclayandpuddlingtheendangeredwallwithathickwallofit。Thistookallthepeoplethewholeday。
　　Nextdaytheclaywallwascarriedtwofeethigher，andthenthedoctormadethemworkontheothersideandbuttressthedykewithsupportssoenormousasseemedextravaganttoDickandPhoebe；but，afterall，itwasaswelltobeonthesafeside，theythought:andsoontheyweresureofit，forthewholeworkwashardlyfinishedwhenthenewscameinthatthedykeofaneighboringBoer，tenmilesoff，hadexplodedlikeacannon，andemptieditselfinfiveminutes，drowningthefarm-yardandfloatingthefurniture，butleavingthemalltoperishofdrought；andindeedtheBoer'scartcameeveryday，withemptybarrels，forsometime，tobegwateroftheDales。Ucatellaponderedallthis，andsaidherdoctorchildwaswise。
　　Thisbriefexcitementover，Staineswentbacktohisowngloomythoughts，andtheyscarcelysawhim，exceptatsupper-time。
　　Oneeveninghesurprisedthemallbyaskingiftheywouldaddtoalltheirkindnessbylendinghimahorse，andaspade，andafewpoundstogotothediamondfields。
　　DickDalelookedathissister。Shesaid，"Wehadratherlendthemyoutogohomewith，sir，ifyoumustleaveus；but，dearheart，I
　　washalfinhopes——DickandIweretalkingitoveronlyyesterday——
　　thatyouwouldgopartnerslikewithus；eversinceyousavedthedam。"
　　"Ihavetoolittletoofferforthat，Mrs。Falcon；and，besides，I
　　amdrivenintoacorner。Imustmakemoneyquickly，ornotatall:
　　thediamondsareonlythreehundredmilesoff:forheaven'ssake，letmetrymyluck。"
　　Theytriedtodissuadehim，andtoldhimnotoneinfiftydidanygoodatit。
　　"Ay，butIshall，"saidhe。"Greatbadluckisfollowedbygreatgoodluck，andIfeelmyturniscome。NotthatIrelyonluck。
　　Anaccidentdirectedmyattentiontothediamondafewyearsago，andIreadanumberofprimeworksuponthesubjectthattoldmeofthingsnotknowntotheminers。Itisclear，fromtheCapejournals，thattheyarelookingfordiamondsintheriveronly。
　　Now，Iamsurethatisamistake。Diamonds，likegold，havetheirmatrix，anditiscomparativelyfewgemsthatgetwashedintotheriver。IamconfidentthatIshallfindthevolcanicmatrix，andperhapsmakemyfortuneinaweekortwo。"
　　Whenthedialoguetookthisturn，ReginaldFalcon'scheekbegantoflush，andhiseyestoglitter。
　　Christophercontinued:"Youwhohavebefriendedmesowillnotturnback，Iamsure，whenIhavesuchachancebeforeme；andasforthesmallsumofmoneyIshallrequire，Iwillrepayyousomeday，evenif"——
　　"La，sir，don'ttalkso。Ifyouputitthatway，why，thebesthorsewehave，andfiftypoundsingoodEnglishgold，theyareatyourserviceto-morrow。"
　　"Andpickandspadetoboot，"saidDick，"andadoublerifle，fortherearelions，andLordknowswhat，betweenthisandtheVaalriver。"
　　"Godblessyouboth!"saidChristopher。"Iwillstartto-morrow。"
　　"AndI'llgowithyou，"saidReginaldFalcon。
　　CHAPTERXX。
　　"Heavenforbid!"saidPhoebe。"No，mydear，nomorediamondsforus。Weneverhadbutone，anditbroughtustrouble。"
　　"Nonsense，Phoebe，"repliedFalcon；"itwasnotthediamond'sfault。YouknowIhaveoftenwantedtogothere，butyouobjected。
　　Yousaidyouwereafraidsomeevilwouldbefallme。ButnowSolomonhimselfisgoingtothemines，letushavenomoreofthatnonsense。Wewilltakeourriflesandourpistols。"
　　"There——there——riflesandpistols，"criedPhoebe；"thatshows。"
　　"Andwewillbethereinaweek；stayamonth，andhomewithourpocketsfullofdiamonds。"
　　"Andfindmedeadofabrokenheart。"
　　"Brokenfiddlestick!Wehavebeenpartedlongerthanthat，andyethereweareallright。"
　　"Ay，butthepitcherthatgoestoooftentothewellgetsbrokeatlast。No，Reginald，nowIhavetastedthreeyears'happinessandpeaceofmind，IcannotgothroughwhatIusedinEngland。Oh，doctor!haveyouthehearttopartmanandwife，thathaveneverbeenadayfromeachotheralltheseyears?"
　　"Mrs。Falcon，IwouldnotdoitforallthediamondsinBrazil。
　　No，Mr。Falcon，IneedhardlysayhowcharmedIshouldbetohaveyourcompany:butthatisapleasureIshallcertainlydenymyself，afterwhatyourgoodwifehassaid。Iowehertoomuchtocauseherasinglepang。"
　　"Doctor，"saidthecharmingReginald，"youareagentlemanandsidewiththelady。Quiteright。Itaddstomyesteem，ifpossible。
　　Makeyourmindeasy；Iwillgoalone。Iamnotafarmer。Iamdeadsickofthismonotonouslife；and，sinceIamcompelledtospeakmymind，alittleashamed，asagentleman，oflivingonmywifeandherbrother，anddoingnothingformyself。SoIshallgototheVaalriver，andseealittlelife；herethere'snothingbutvegetation——andnotmuchofthat。Notawordmore，Phoebe，ifyouplease。Iamagood，easy，affectionatehusband，butIamaman，andnotachildtobetiedtoawoman'sapron-strings，howevermuchImayloveandrespecther。"
　　Dickputinhisword:"Sinceyouaresoindependent，youcanWALK
　　totheVaalriver。Ican'tspareacoupleofhorses。"
　　Thishitthesybaritehard，andhecastabitterglanceofhatredathisbrother-in-law，andfellintoamoodysilence。
　　ButwhenhegotPhoebetohimself，hedescantedonherselfishness，Dick'srudeness，andhisownwoundeddignity，tillhemadeherquiteanxiousheshouldhavehisownway。ShecametoStaines，withredeyes，andsaid，"Tellme，doctor，willtherebeanywomenupthere——totakecareofyou?"
　　"Notapetticoatintheplace，Ibelieve。Itisaveryroughlife；
　　andhowFalconcouldthinkofleavingyouandsweetlittleTommy，andthislifeofhealth，andpeace，andcomfort——"
　　"YetYOUdoleaveus，sir。"
　　"Iamthemostunfortunatemanupontheearth；Falconisoneofthehappiest。WouldIleavewifeandchildtogothere?Ahme!IamdeadtothoseIlove。Thisismyonechanceofseeingmydarlingagainformanyalongyearperhaps。Oh，ImustnotspeakofHER——
　　itunmansme。Mygood，kindfriend，I'lltellyouwhattodo。
　　Whenweareallatsupper，letahorsebesaddledandleftintheyardforme。I'llbidyouallgood-night，andI'llputfiftymilesbetweenusbeforemorning。EventhenHEneednotbetoldIamgone；hewillnotfollowme。"
　　"Youareverygood，sir，"saidPhoebe；"butno。Toomuchhasbeensaid。Ican'thavehimhumbledbymybrother，noranyone。HesaysIamselfish。PerhapsIam；thoughIneverwascalledso。I
　　can'tbearheshouldthinkmeselfish。HeWILLgo，andsoletushavenoillbloodaboutit。Sinceheistogo，ofcourseI'dmuchlieverheshouldgowithyouthanbyhimself。Youaresuretherearenowomenupthere——totakecareof——you——both?Youmustbepurse-bearer，sir，andlooktoeverypenny。Heistoogenerouswhenhehasgotmoneytospend。"
　　Inshort，Reginaldhadplayedsouponherheart，thatshenowurgedthejointexpedition，onlysheaskedadelayofadayortwotoequipthem，andsteelherselftotheseparation。
　　Stainesdidnotsharethosevaguefearsthatoverpoweredthewife，whosebitterexperienceswereunknowntohim；buthefeltuncomfortableathercondition——fornowshewasoftenintears——andhesaidallhecouldtocomforther；andhealsoadvisedherhowtoprofitbytheseterriblediamonds，inherway。Hepointedouttoherthatherfarmlayrightintheroadtothediamonds，yetthetrafficallshunnedher，passingtwentymilestothewestward。
　　Saidhe，"Youshouldprofitbyallyourresources。Youhavewood，agreatrarityinAfrica；orderaportableforge；runupabuildingwhereminerscansleep，anotherwheretheycanfeed；thegrainyouhavesowiselyrefusedtosell，grinditintoflour。"
　　"Dearheart!why，there'sneitherwindnorwatertoturnamill。"
　　"Butthereareoxen。I'llshowyouhowtomakeanox-mill。SendyourCapecartintoCapeTownforironlathes，forcoffeeandtea，andgroceriesbythehundredweight。Themomentyouareready——forsuccessdependsontheorderinwhichweact——thenpreparegreatboards，andplantthemtwentymilessouth。Writeorpaintonthem，verylarge，'ThenearestwaytotheDiamondMines，throughDale'sKloof，whereisexcellentaccommodationformanandbeast。Tea，coffee，home-madebread，freshbutter，etc。，etc。'Dothis，andyouwillsoonleaveoffdecryingdiamonds。Thisisthesurewaytocointhem。Imyselftakethedoubtfulway；butIcan'thelpit。I
　　amadeadman，andswiftgoodfortunewillgivemelife。Youcanaffordtogotheslowerroadandthesurer。"
　　Thenhedrewheramodelofanox-mill，andofaminer'sdormitory，thepartitionssixfeetsixapart，sothattheseverypartitionsformedthebedstead，thebed-sackingbeinghookedtotheuprights。
　　Hedrewhismodelfortwentybedrooms。
　　Theportableforgeandtheox-millpleasedDickDalemost，butthepartitionedbedsteadscharmedPhoebe。Shesaid，"Oh，doctor，howcanoneman'sheadholdsomanythings?Ifthere'samanonearthIcantrustmyhusbandwith，'tisyou。Butifthingsgocrossupthere，promisemeyouwillcomebackatonceandcastinyourlotwithus。Wehavegotmoneyandstock，andyouhavegotheadpiece；
　　wemightdoverywelltogether。Indeed，indeedwemight。Promiseme。Oh，do，please，promiseme!"
　　"Ipromiseyou。"
　　Andonthisunderstanding，StainesandFalconwereequippedwithrifles，pickaxe，shovels，waterproofs，andfullsaddle-bags，andstarted，withmanyshakingsofthehand，andmanytearsfromPhoebe，forthediamondwashings。
　　CHAPTERXXI。
　　Phoebe'stearsatpartingmadeStainesfeeluncomfortable，andhesaidso。
　　"Pooh，pooh!"saidFalcon，"cryingfornothingdoesawomangood。"
　　Christopherstaredathim。
　　Falcon'sspiritsroseastheyproceeded。Hewaslikeaboyletloosefromschool。Hisfluencyandcharmofmannerserved，however，tocheerasingularlydrearyjourney。
　　Thetravellerssoonenteredonavastandforbiddingregion，thatweariedtheeye；attheirfeetadull，rustycarpetofdriedgrassandwildcamomile，withpale-redsandpeepingthroughtheburntandscantyherbage。Onthelowmounds，thatlookedlikeheapsofsiftedashes，strugglednowandthenintosicklinessaragged，twistedshrub。Therewereflowerstoo，butsosparse，thattheysparkledvainlyinthecolorlesswaste，whichstretchedtothehorizon。Thefarmhousesweretwentymilesapart，andnineoutoftenofthemwerenewonesbuiltbytheBoerssincetheydegeneratedintowhitesavages:merehuts，withdomedkitchensbehindthem。Inthedwelling-housethewholefamilypiggedtogether，withrawfleshdryingontherafters，stinkingskinsinacorner，parasiticalverminofallsortsblackeningthefloor，andparticularlyasmall，biting，andodoriferoustortoise，comparedwithwhichtheinsectaLondonwasherwomanbringsintoyourhouseinherbasket，isastrokewithafeather——andallthiswithouttheexcuseofpenury；
　　formanyofthesewereshepherdkings，shearedfourthousandfleecesayear，andownedahundredhorsesandhornedcattle。
　　TheseBoersarecompelled，byunwrittenlaw，toreceivetravellersandwatertheircattle；butourtravellers，afteroneortwoexperiences，ceasedtotroublethem；for，addedtothedirt，themenweresullen，thewomenmoody，silent，brainless；thewholereceptionchurlish。Stainesdetectedinthemanuneasyconsciousnessthattheyhaddescended，inmorewaysthanone，fromacivilizedrace；andthesuperiorbearingofaEuropeanseemedtoremindthemwhattheyhadbeen，andmighthavebeen，andwerenot；
　　so，afteranattemptortwo，ouradventurersavoidedtheBoers，andtriedtheKafirs。Theyfoundthesavagessociallysuperior，thoughtheirmoralcharacterdoesnotrankhigh。
　　TheKafircabinstheyenteredwerecaves，lightedonlybythedoor，butdeliciouslycool，andquiteclean；thefloorsofpuddledclayorants'nests，andveryclean。Onenteringthesecoolretreats，thefliesthathadtormentedthemshirkedthecoolgrot，andbuzzedofftothenearestfarmtobattenoncongenialfoulness。Onthefat，round，glossybabies，notaspeckofdirt，whereasthelittleBoerswerecakesthereof。TheKafirwouldmeetthematthedoor，hiscleanblackfaceallsmilesandwelcome。Thewomenandgrowngirlswouldflingaspotlesshandkerchiefovertheirshouldersinamoment，anddisplaytheirsnowyteeth，inunaffectedjoyatsightofanEnglishman。
　　Atoneofthesehuts，oneevening，theymetwithsomethingSt。Paulranksabovecleanlinesseven，viz。，Christianity。AneighboringlionhadjusteatenaHottentotfautedemieux；andthesegoodKafirswantedtheEuropeansnottogoonatnightandbeeatenfordessert。ButtheycouldnotspeakawordofEnglish，andpantomimicexpressionexistsintheoryalone。Invainthewomenheldourtravellersbythecoat-tails，andpointedtoadistantwood。InvainKafirperewentonall-foursandgrowledsore。Butatlastasavageyouthrantothekitchen——fortheynevercookinthehouse——andcamebackwithabrand，andsketched，onthewallofthehut，alionwithamanedowntotheground，andasaucereye，notloving。Thecreature'spawrestedonahatandcoatandanotherfragmentortwoofaEuropean。Therestwasfore-
　　shortened，orelseeaten。
　　Thepicturecompleted，thefemaleslooked，approved，andraisedadismalhowl。
　　"Alionontheroad，"saidChristophergravely。
　　ThentheundauntedFalconseizedthecharcoal，anddrewanEnglishmaninatheatricalattitude，leftfootwellforward，firingagun，andalionrollingheadoverheelslikeabuckrabbit，andbloodsquirtingoutofaholeinhisperforatedcarcass。
　　Thesavagessaw，andexulted。Theyweresoofftheirguardastoconfoundrepresentationwithfact；theydancedroundthewhitewarrior，andlaunchedhimtovictory。
　　"Aha!"saidFalcon，"Itooktheshineoutoftheirlion，didn'tI?"
　　"Youdid:andoncetherewasasculptorwhoshowedalionhismarblegroup，amantramplingalion，extractinghistongue，andsoon；butreportsaysitDIDNOTCONVINCETHELION。"
　　"Why，no；alionisnotanass。But，foryourcomfort，thereARE
　　nolionsinthispartoftheworld。Theyaremyths。TherewerelionsinAfrica。ButnowtheyareallattheZoo。AndIwishI
　　wastheretoo。"
　　"Inwhatcharacter——ofadiscontentedanimal——witheveryblessing?
　　Theywouldnottakeyouin；toocommoninEngland。Hallo!thisissomethingnew。Whatlotsofbushes!Weshouldnothavemuchchancewithalionhere。"
　　"ThereAREnolions:itisnottheZoo，"saidFalcon；buthespurredonfaster。
　　Thecountry，however，didnotchangeitsfeature；bushesandlittleacaciasprevailed，andpresentlydarkformsbegantoglideacrossatintervals。
　　Thetravellersheldtheirbreath，andpushedon；butatlasttheirhorsesflagged；sotheythoughtitbesttostopandlightafireandstandupontheirguard。
　　Theydidso，andFalconsatwithhisriflecocked，whileStainesboiledcoffee，andtheydrankit，andaftertwohours'halt，pushedon；andatlastthebushesgotmorescattered，andtheywereonthedrearyplainagain。Falcondrewtherein，withasighofrelief，andtheywalkedtheirhorsessidebyside。
　　"Well，whathasbecomeofthelions?"saidFalconjauntily。Heturnedinhissaddle，andsawalargeanimalstealingbehindthemwithitsbellytotheveryearth，andeyeshotcoals；heutteredaneldrichscreech，firedbothbarrels，withnomoreaimthanababy，andspurredaway，yellinglikeademon。Theanimalfledanotherway，inequaltrepidationatthosetonguesofflameandloudreports，andChristopher'shorserearedandplunged，anddepositedhimpromptlyonthesward；butheheldthebridle，mountedagain，androdeafterhiscompanion。Asternchaseisalongchase；andforthatorsomeotherreasonhecouldnevercatchhimagaintillsunrise。Beingcaught，heignoredthelioness，withcoolhauteur:
　　hesaidhehadriddenontofindcomfortablequarters:andcravedthanks。
　　Thiswasliterallytheonlyincidentworthrecordingthatthecompanionsmetwithinthreehundredmiles。
　　Onthesixthdayout，towardsafternoon，theyfoundbyinquiringtheywerenearthediamondwashings，andtheshortroutewaspointedoutbyanexceptionallycivilBoer。
　　ButChristopher'seyehadlighteduponasortofchainofknolls，orlittleroundhills，devoidofvegetation，andhetoldFalconhewouldliketoinspectthese，beforegoingfarther。
　　"Oh，"saidtheBoer，"theyarenotonmyfarm，thankgoodness!theyareonmycousinBulteel's；"andhepointedtoalargewhitehouseaboutfourmilesdistant，andquiteofftheroad。Nevertheless，Stainesinsistedongoingtoit。Butfirsttheymadeuptooneoftheseknolls，andexaminedit；itwasaboutthirtyfeethigh，andnotavestigeofherbageonit；thesurfacewascomposedofsandandoflumpsofgraylimestoneveryhard，diversifiedwithlotsofquartz，mica，andotheroldformations。
　　Stainesgottothetopofitwithsomedifficulty，andexaminedthesurfaceallover。Hecamedownagain，andsaid，"Alltheselittlehillsmarkhotvolcanicaction——why，theyarelikeboilingearth-
　　bubbles——whichistheverything，undercertainconditions，toturncarbonateoflimeintodiamonds。Nowhereisplentyoflimestoneunnaturallyhard；andbeinginadiamondcountry，Icanfancynoplacemorelikelytobethematrixthantheseearth-bubbles。Letustetherthehorses，anduseourshovels。"
　　Theydidso；andfoundoneortwocommoncrystals，andsomejasper，andapieceofchalcedonyallinlittlebubbles，butnodiamond。
　　Falconsaiditwaswastingtime。
　　Justthentheproprietor，agigantic，pastycolonist，cameup，withhispipe，andstoodcalmlylookingon。Stainescamedown，andmadeasortofapology。Bulteelsmiledquietly，andaskedwhatharmtheycoulddohim，rakingthatrubbish。"Rakeitallavay，minevriends，"saidhe:"veshallthankyoumoch。"
　　Hetheninvitedthemlanguidlytohishouse。Theywentwithhim，andashevolunteerednomoreremarks，theyquestionedhim，andlearnedhisfatherhadbeenaHollander，andsohadhisvrow's。
　　Thisaccountedforthesizeandcomparativecleanlinessofhisplace。Itwasstuccoedwiththelimeofthecountryoutside，andwasfourtimesaslargeasthemiserablefarmhousesofthedegenerateBoers。Forallthis，thestreetdooropenedontheprincipalroom，andthatroomwaskitchenandparlor，onlyverylargeandwholesome。"But，Lord，"aspoordearPepysusedtoblurtout——"toseehowsomefolkunderstandcleanliness!"Thefloorwasmadeofpowderedants'nests，andsmearedwithfreshcow-dungeveryday。YetthesepeoplewerethecleanestBoersinthecolony。
　　Thevrowmetthem，withasnow-whitecollarandcuffsofHamburghlinen，andthebratshadpastyfacesroundaspumpkins，butshonewithsoap。Thevrowwasalsopasty-faced，butgentle，andwelcomedthemwithasmile，languid，butunequivocal。
　　TheHottentotstooktheirhorses，asamatterofcourse。Theirgunswereputinacorner。Acleanclothwasspread，andtheysawtheyweretosupandsleepthere，thoughthewordsofinvitationwereneverspoken。
　　Atsupper，sun-driedflesh，cabbage，andasavorydishthetravellersreturnedtowithgusto。Stainesaskedwhatitwas:thevrowtoldhim——locusts。Theyhadstrippedhergarden，andfilledherveryrooms，andfalleninheapsunderherwalls；soshehadpressedthem，bythemillion，intocakes，hadsaltedthemlightly，andstoredthem，andtheywereexcellent，baked。
　　Aftersupper，theaccomplishedReginald，observingawireguitar，tuneditwithsomedifficulty，andsotwangedit，andsangdittiestoit，thattheflabbygiant'spastyfaceworealookofdreamycontentoverhiseverlastingpipe；andinthemorning，afterasilentbreakfast，hesaid，"Minevriends，stayhereayearortwo，andrakeinminerubbish。Venyouaretired，herearespringbokandantelopes，andyoucanshootmityourrifles，andvevilcookthem，andyoushallzinguszongsofVaderland。"
　　Theythankedhimheartily，andsaidtheywouldstayafewdays，atallevents。
　　TheplacidBoerwenta-farming；andthepairshoulderedtheirpickandshovel，andworkedontheirheapallday，andfoundanumberofprettystones，butnodiamond。
　　"Come，"saidFalcon，"wemustgototheriver；"andStainesacquiesced。"Ibowtoexperience，"saidhe。
　　AtthethresholdtheyfoundtwoofthelittleBulteels，playingwithpiecesofquartz，crystal，etc。，onthedoor-stone。OneofthesestonescaughtStaines'seyedirectly。Itsparkledinadifferentwayfromtheothers:heexaminedit:itwasthesizeofawhiteharicotbean，andonesideofitpolishedbyfriction。Helookedatit，andlooked，andsawthatitrefractedthelight。Hefeltconvinceditwasadiamond。
　　"Givetheboyapennyforit，"saidtheingeniousFalcon，onreceivingtheinformation。
　　"Oh!"saidStaines。"Takeadvantageofachild?"
　　Heborroweditoftheboy，andlaiditonthetable，aftersupper。
　　"Sir，"saidhe，"thisiswhatwewererakinginyourkopjesfor，andcouldnotfindit。ItbelongstolittleHans。Willyousellitus?Wearenotexperts，butwethinkitmaybeadiamond。Wewillrisktenpoundsonit。"
　　"Tenpounds!"saidthefarmer。"Nay，werobnottravellers，minevriend。"
　　"Butifitisadiamond，itisworthahundred。Seehowitgainsfireinthedusk。"