"Yes, sir. The sight of the fort made me lose my head for a moment, but
it shall not occur again."
"You ran a frightful risk," answered Mr Martin, severely. "The
incident took place just opposite my window, and I saw it all, and
expected you to be taken in charge. If you had been, that paper would
have been discovered, and more damage done to the cause of freedom and
federation than you at present could imagine. There, I shall not
lecture you any more; only remember that to provoke a street row is not
the way to qualify for a patriot. Say no more about this now, but after
dinner I shall take you and your friends for a walk, show you some of
the town by night, and perhaps also let you see how you may help the
Uitlanders and--you know who else."
He pressed our hero's hand warmly, as a token of his forgiveness, and at
once began to ask him questions about his journey up the country.
Mr Raybold came back while they were conversing, and then shortly
afterwards Clarence and Fred. Almost at the same moment the dinner-gong
sounded, and together they went in to dinner.
In the lobby Mr Martin whispered something in the ear of Mr Raybold,
who at once turned and looked with interest at Ned. That look cleared
up the doubts of Ned like magic, so that he laid hold of Clarence, and
said to him tenderly--
"Cheer up, old chappy; your dad is all right!"
"Do you think so, Ned? Fred is of the same opinion."
"I don't think--I know, and so will you before the night is over. Take
his advice and mine. Be discreet, for silence is golden. Just you wait
a bit."
"Thank God!" answered Clarence, softly, a sudden moisture coming into
his rich brown eyes.