THE RACE MEETING. The race-course at Gandela lay just outside the township, and between it and the bushy ridge Ehlatini. It was a large, circular space, surrounded by a not particularly strong bush-fence, and now on the day of the race meeting and gymkhana it presented a very lively scene indeed; for not only was practically the whole population of Gandela there gathered, but that of the surrounding district. Settlers from outlying farms, prospectors from remote camps, storekeepers and others, had all come in to see or join in the fun. And in contrast to the swarm of bronzed and belted men--coatless, and wearing for the most part the broad-brimmed American hat--a flutter of bright colour here and there of blouse and sunshade showed that the ornamental sex, as represented in fa-away Matabeleland, was quite as ambitious of being up to date as anywhere else. Taking it altogether they were having a good time of it, as was bound to be the case in a locality where man was largely in preponderance, and where, in consequence, there were not enough women to go round, as we heard Clare Vidal remark. She herself was looking altogether winsome and delightful, as she flashed forth jest and repartee among the group surrounding her, for she was holding quite a little court. Men--among them fine gallant-looking fellows who had served with some distinction in the former war--seemed to hang upon her words, or was it her tones, her smiles?--laying up for themselves, perchance, store of future heartache. Her brother-in-law, who was one of the stewards, declared she was causing a positive obstruction. A hoot of good-humoured derision arose from the group. "Oh, go away, Fullerton, you jolly old policeman," cried one man. "Send him off, Mrs Fullerton, do," said another. But before Lucy had time to reply, two bronzed giants had seized the offender one by each arm, and gently but firmly marched him across the course to where an impromptu bar under a canvas awning was doing a roaring trade. "That's better for you, old man," said one, as three glasses were set down empty. "And unless you give us your word not to bother Miss Vidal any more we'll keep you here all day," said the other. "Oh, I'll give you my word for anything you like," laughed Fullerton. "We'll have another round, and then I must get back."