"I suppose it isn't much to you," she went on. "You must have seen it
often, and the real thing too."
"Well yes. I have, and done by more thousands than there are hundreds
here. By the way, I'm giving them a little more beef for to-morrow
morning so they'll be in high trim and good humour for our hunt."
"Oh, I'm afraid you are going to a great deal of trouble on our
account," she said.
"Isn't it worth it--at least--I mean--er--it isn't often one can afford
anyone a new kind of pleasure in this worn-out world," I added lamely.
But I believe she read my original meaning for I could see a soft look
come into the beautiful clear eyes in the moonlight, and there was a
half smile curving her lips. We were talking a little apart from the
others who had embarked on a voluble discussion of their own. And then
it was voted time for bed, and the natives having dispersed, after a
sonorously uttered farewell salute, the Major and Falkner and I had a
final glass of grog, or so, and adjourned to our quarters in the store.