"Very well, my dear," said Mrs. Gillespie, rising. No one could have detected from her placid face and natural movements that she was aware that something was wrong. Oliver, who was nearest to the door, held it while the ladies passed out, and stood back for the elder men to follow. "Go on, my boy," said Mr. Gillespie. "I’ll look out some cigars I want you to try; be with you in a moment." He took Mr. Halliday by the arm as he was passing, shut the door, and putting the letter into his hand, said-- "Read that!" This is what Mr. Halliday read-- DEAR MR. GILLESPIE, The farm has been raided while we were away--got away by a trick. I suspect Juma and his gang. They collared all our rifles and ammunition. Ferrier and I are starting at once to follow them up. I want you to send up somebody at once--a white man--to give an eye to things. I dare say we shall be back by the time he gets here, but it’ll be just as well to have somebody on the spot in case we’re longer than I expect. Sorry to trouble you, but I’ve got to teach Juma a lesson. Yours in haste, D. HALLIDAY. "That’s the explanation!" exclaimed Mr. Halliday. "Can I start to-night?" "No. This may be a serious business--the young madcap! I hope he’ll turn back if he doesn’t catch them at once----" "That wouldn’t be John. He’ll go on till he has thrashed them." "Then heaven help him! Man, he may find himself among a whole tribe of blood-thirsty savages. And the worst of it is we may not reach him in time. It’s not merely a question of looking after the farm. We’ll start as soon as it’s light: I’ll get a party together." "The police?" "No: can’t wait for them. I’ll go down to the club and get some fellows I can rely on. We’ll go on horses and mules. We had better not alarm the women." "We must tell them something. Better out with it, I think. They’ll only think it worse than it is if they see we’re keeping something back." "Couldn’t be worse. Well, perhaps you are right; but don’t let ’em see we’re put about." "All right. Give me a cigar." They strolled into the other room smoking, showing no trace of their anxiety. Mrs. Gillespie looked up quickly as her husband entered, but only said-- "Come, your coffee is poured out and getting cold." "My own growing, ma’am," said Mr. Gillespie to Mrs. Burtenshaw, as he took his cup, "and I hope you like it." "Mother couldn’t say she doesn’t, could she?" said Helen archly. "_I_ like it very much." "Helen speaks for us all," said Mrs. Burtenshaw. "Well, what does John say?" "Any news of the failed B.A.?" asked Joe. "He doesn’t mention him this time. In fact, it’s just a note: you can’t call it a letter. He has had to leave the farm for a day or two, and wants me to send up a man to look after things in his absence." "Has Charley gone too?" asked Hilda Ferrier.