human
By Jingo! This is good! he cried.
gpt
I say, Marian, you remember those two black chaps who were round here with all that stock two or three weeks back? That one-eyed cuss who was inclined to be so cheeky?
human
Yes. What about them?
gpt
You remember the names on their pass?
human
Perfectly. Muntiwa and Booi.
gpt
All right. The whole of that stock was stolen, and they've been run in at Fort Lamport and committed for trial at the Circuit Court, which'll be held in a week or two.
human
That's good business, said Renshaw.
gpt
How were they nobbled?
human
Why, a Dutchman spotted them just outside Fort Lamport, and recognised some of the cows as belonging to his uncle or somebody. He said nothing at the time, but just trotted up to the court and swore an affidavit, and they were all run in.
gpt
But didn't you say they had a pass?
human
Of course they had. But therein lies the cream of the whole situation. The pass turns out a forged one, cooked up by a mission-station Kafir, and well done it was, too. So much for educating the niggers. It turns out, too, that the police have discovered these chaps' hiding-place, away up among the thick bush and caves in Slaagter's Hoek. It was a regular vultures' nest, chock full of bones of stolen stock. They must have been at it for years. And then to think of them marching openly through the country on the strength of that forged pass. Let's hope they'll get it stiff now they are quodded.
gpt
Who's the circuit judge this time?
human
Van Reneen, I expect. Judge Sherrington was round on circuit last time, so we are sure to have the other man; and a good thing, too. Old Sherrington loves a black fellow as if he was his father, and lets him down about as lightly as he comfortably can, and that's very lightly indeed.
gpt
You are sure to be subpoenaed to give evidence, Chris,
human
Eh! By Jingo, I never thought of that. I hope not, though! cried Selwood, in dismay at the prospect of an enforced absence from home, involving, moreover, two long and tiresome journeys, and Heaven knew how many days of kicking up his heels in Fort Lamport, in hourly expectation of being called.
gpt
Well, likely enough they'll have plenty of evidence without mine. Sellon--Renshaw--how about a stroll round? it's turning cool now. But we'll do a glass of grog first.
human
HE DOES NOT RING TRUE.