A Breath from the Veldt 321 



things that I should not care to repeat, that though he felt himself growing too 

 old for the hard work, of the Veldt and should hunt no more on his own 

 account, he would never forgive me if ever I came to Africa again and 

 journeyed with another. Yes ; Boers have hearts like other people, as you 

 soon find out if you only go the right way about it. The old Frau and the 

 girls were in tears as we kissed all round, with little hope of ever meeting 

 again ; and I must confess I was deeply moved. 



And now, let other writers say what they may in disparagement of the 

 Dutch nation, I can never bring myself to join in that sweeping condemnation 

 that is too often poured upon them by my countrymen. Mynheer Van Dunck 

 is far too cautious a man to open his heart to a stranger, and his bluffness of 

 speech and manner is apt to create a false impression on anyone who does not 

 know him well. Hence, had I left these people after a month's acquaintance, 

 and without having learned to speak their language, I should have come away 

 with a very different opinion of them from that which I eventually formed. 

 So here's to Van Staden and his good family, and may they live long and 

 prosper, as they deserve ! As long as I live I shall remember that day and 

 hour when the beautiful, kindly face and romantic figure of the old man faded 

 slowly away in the flush of the crimson morn. 



' GOOD-BYE, OLD FRIEND 



2 T 



