"I only wish the pater would give up Rustenburg, and settle here!" exclaimed Tom. "How jolly we should all be together, and what sport we'd have!" "That is exactly what our friend wishes me to do, Tom," laughed the Major; "but I didn't think he would have found a supporter in you!" "Yes, that is true," said their host. "I tell your father that he could sell Rustenburg for a large sum now, and once up here he would make no end of money. You and Weston must really think it over, Mat." "And then you know, father," put in Tom, "when you had made your fortune, you might return to England, and buy back Flinders Court." "That's your ambition, is it!" the captain said. "You want to become a Marlshire squire! But you must see a little more of your native land first, Tom; and I should say that a couple of years' service in the `C.M.R.' would be the best way of seeing it. Mat, my friend, let us have a glass together and drink to the welfare of the old corps?" "With all my heart, Donald! you and I have both served in other regiments, but I am sure our happiest days were spent with the `Green Jackets.'" "Do you think you will come up here, father?" inquired Tom as soon as the old comrades had drunk their toast--with "all the honours," as old comrades should do. "We must see what your mother says, Tom; such a `migration' is not to be thought lightly of," the Major replied. "In the meantime it may satisfy you to know that our good friend has invited us to spend a month with him next year, just to see how we like it. And now, as we have to be in the saddle by cock-crow, I think you youngsters had best turn in." CHAPTER TEN. FAREWELL TO RALFONTEIN. "Good-bye, and a pleasant journey to you," said Captain Jamieson, who, with his sons and daughters, had turned out at daybreak to see the last of his departing guests. "Follow the route that I have mapped out, and I stake my reputation that you will find it comparatively easy travelling." "Shall we come across plenty of game, Captain Jamieson?" was Tom's eager question, as he took leave of his host. "I am very anxious to try this rifle." "But you had a famous chance coming up here, Tom," laughed Frank Jamieson. "There's no doubt that one or two of the blacks, who attacked you, fell before your aim." "That's all very well, Frank," retorted Tom, "but niggers aren't _game_, you know. I want to try my hand at a tiger or buck. I should very much like to send my old form-master a handsome `kaross,' made up of skins of my own shooting." "Well, my boy," said Captain Jamieson, "if you knock over one-thousandth part of the game you see 'twixt this and Rondebosch, you'll be able to present karosses to every master at Rugby, and feather-cloaks to their wives and daughters; ay, and clothe the elevens with tiger-skins into the bargain. Once more, good-bye! Hope to see you all again next year." "Good-bye! good-bye!" echoed his stalwart sons.