"He would be worth three hundred as a hunter at home," one of them remarked, "but nobody's going to give such a price as that out here, when you can get a decent runner for twenty; but he is certainly the handsomest horse I have seen since I have been in the colony, and I have seen some good ones, too." The farmer moved off with the horse. As he left the ground, Ronald again walked up to him. "I like your horse," he said, "and if you will take a hundred pounds for him, I will give it you." "Very well," the Dutchman said, "I will take it, but I wouldn't take a penny under. Have you the money here?" "I have not got it in my pocket," Ronald replied, "but I have letters of credit on the bank. Walk round with me there, and I will give you the cash." In ten minutes the money was obtained and handed to the farmer, who gave Ronald a receipt for it. Ronald took the halter from the hands of the native, and at once led the horse to the stable of the hotel at which he had already left his luggage. Then he ordered one of the cases to be opened, and took out a saddle and bridle which he had brought out with him in view of rough colonial work. "I did not expect to be suited so soon," he said to himself, "and certainly did not expect to find such a mount here. I like him better than either of my old hunters, and will back him, after a couple of months' good handling, to win any military steeplechase. That's money well laid out; when a man may have to ride for his life, money in horseflesh is a good investment." He went down at four o'clock, and was attested and sworn in. "I saw you down on the parade ground, Blunt," the adjutant said. "We have bought a score of horses for the use of recruits. You can have one of them at the Government price if you choose." "I am much obliged to you, sir," Ronald replied, "but I picked one up myself." "He will have to pass inspection, you know, Blunt?" "I think he's good enough to pass, sir," Ronald said, quietly. "I am considered a pretty good judge of a horse." "There is the address of a tailor," the adjutant said, handing him a card; "he has got a supply of the right cloth, and has contracted to supply uniforms at a very reasonable price. You need not come into barracks until to-morrow, unless you choose." "I thank you, sir. I have a few things to get, and I would rather not report myself until to-morrow afternoon, if you will give me leave." "Very well, then, I will not ration you to-morrow. Report yourself to Sergeant Menzies any time before nine o'clock in the evening." Ronald gave the military salute, turned on his heel, and went out of the barracks. He went straight to the tailor whose card had been given to him. "I want to be measured for a uniform for the Mounted Rifles," he said. "How much do you charge?" "We supply tunic, jacket, and two pairs of breeches, and cap, for nine pounds." "When can you let me have them?" "In three days."