"Jan, I insist upon stopping," called Constance. "April, stop the oxen."
In spite of all the noise Jan was making, April could not fail to hear
the indignant cry of his young mistress, and presently the wagon was
halted. Jan hastily popped the whip into the wagon and turned back to
confront his enemy.
"What do you mean by stopping a wagon in the road like this? Outspan
money? We have not outspanned and are not going to on your starved old
veldt."
"Jan, Jan, you know very well we are owing him two shillings from the
last time we passed," said Constance.
The stranger Kafir tried to get to the wagon, but Jan barred the
passage. He changed his tactics. "Come, let's fight for it," he cried,
casting his hat and scarlet head-handkerchief into the karoo out of the
way.
This offer was declined without thanks. "I shan't fight. The money is
mine," protested the other, encouraged by finding his demand was allowed
by the ladies.
"April, leave the oxen and come here," called Constance. "Give this
money to him."
[Sidenote: Jan's Principles]
This was done at last, to Jan's grief. "Ah, Mees Constance! Why didn't
you let me fight him? he was only a little thieving Fingo dog! I didn't
outspan in sight of his old hut, and he must have come sneaking around
and seen us, and never said he would have money till it was too late."
"Well, Jan, and why should our oxen eat up the grass and drink out of
the dam without our paying?" asked Constance; but Jan only muttered,
"Thief! Dog!" and got away from the scene of his defeat with speed.
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