Jess

Chapter 32

HE SHALL DIE

The night was still and very dark. A soft cold rain, such as often falls

in the Wakkerstroom and New Scotland districts of the Transvaal, and

which more resembles a true north country mist than anything else, was

drizzling gently but persistently. This condition of affairs was as

favourable as possible to their enterprise, and under cover of it the

Hottentot and the white girl crept far down the hill to within twelve

or fourteen paces of the back of the waggon-house. Then Jantje, who was

leading, suddenly put back his hand and checked her, and at that moment

Jess caught the sound of a sentry's footsteps as he tramped leisurely up

and down. For a couple of minutes or so they stopped thus, not knowing

what to do, when suddenly a man came round the corner of the buildi