But the officials were wonderfully pleasant towards them, considering their unfriendly demeanour. They admired muscle and bone like theirs, and said audibly that they would be fine vrows some day, when they got fatter. They were passed on much more easily than they expected. Once Ned had to correct an impertinent German, who tried to make himself agreeable in the fashion some cads have with unprotected females. Ned promptly knocked the ruffian down and kicked him under the seat. Then he leaned back calmly and gazed out of the window, until he suddenly recollected that he should have called the guard instead. He did this at once as soon as he remembered his sex, and had the man removed in a very dejected and dilapidated condition. This German did not recover his presence of mind until he reached Johannesburg. Then, when he saw Ned on the platform, he ran panic-stricken out of the station, vowing that these Englishwomen were demons, and that it would be a long time before he wasted his attentions on another of this ungrateful nation. "Good-bye, Clara," said Ned, as he stood with his bonnet-box and bag on the platform. "Take care of yourself, dear, and don't go falling in love with a Boer." "Don't be afraid, Edwina darling. I'll go for the cruel wretches if they try to persecute me, as you did with that nasty German." "Dort's all right, meme leetle pigeon," shouted a bearded burgher, showing his big face near. "You just wait till you are asked, then you vil be von fine old woman." "Don't mind the rude fellow, Clara," cried Ned, warningly. But Clarence was too quick; with a back-handed slap he sent the Boer staggering backwards a dozen paces. "Couldn't hold my hand back, Eddy dear. Englishwomen aren't used to these compliments, you know." "Be careful," said Ned. "Remember our positions." The burgher took his blow, however, without resentment. Several of his countrymen were laughing at him, therefore he slunk away quietly. "Good-bye, and trusting we may meet soon." Ned watched the train start with watering eyes, then he stalked out of the station and straight to the Three Ace Club. As he passed through the streets he noticed that things appeared much quieter than when he was there before. The police did not interfere so much with the citizens, nor were the armed Boers so aggressive. It seemed as if a more tolerant spirit was ruling their behaviour. Knowing what he did, Ned was not at all deceived by these false signs of amiability. When the Boer is meditating some extra treachery he is always the most amiable. It is only part of his crafty and deceitful nature. He likes to lull his victim into a trusting condition, so that he may have him at a disadvantage. He likes to play like a cat with his prey, and surprise him suddenly.