"But you see, Tante, I solemnly promised her father that I would not marry her until she was of age, and if I broke my word I should not be an honest man." "An honest man!" she exclaimed with the utmost contempt; "an honest man! Well, are Marais and Hernan Pereira honest men?
Why do you not cut your stick the same length as theirs, Allan Quatermain?
I tell you that your verdomde honesty will be your ruin.

You remember my words later on," and she marched off in high dudgeon.
When she had gone I went to my wagons, where Hans was waiting for me with a detailed and interminable report of everything that had happened in my absence.

Glad was I to find that, except for the death of one sickly ox, nothing had gone wrong.

When at length he had ended his long story, I ate some food which Marie sent over for me ready cooked, for I was too tired to join any of the Boers that night.

Just as I had finished my meal and was thinking of turning in, Marie herself appeared within the circle of the camp-fire's light.