Many people were out on the road, enjoying the beauty of the night-- parties on horseback, lovers, natives, and not a few children. They all appeared happy and careless enough. Soon they came to the more crowded parts, all brightly lighted up with electric globes and gas-jets. Many of the shops were still open and doing a thriving trade. The hotels and canteens were, as usual, crowded, while the side paths were filled with pedestrians. All the citizens of Johannesburg seemed to be on the streets at this time, and a strange gathering of nationalities they were. "We have some of the worst blackguards on the face of the globe here," observed Philip, as they rode slowly along Pritchard Street. "And some of the greatest cowards also, I should say," replied Ned. "You are right; blackguards are very seldom brave men, although, of course, there are exceptions to every rule." "I see Israel is to the fore here." "Yes; that is one of the causes of our past failure. A Jew will never risk his property nor person for any cause outside of business. We don't admit Jews nor Germans into the club where we are going tonight, nor, of course, Dutchmen either." "I suppose we must not ask any questions about your club now?" asked Ned, timidly. "No; we shall dismount here, and leave our horses for the present. One thing I must ask of you, and that is, whatever you may see on the streets, do not interfere. This is a rough city, after dark particularly, and swarming with the vilest of both sexes. Yet restrain your generous instincts and do not pause either to remonstrate or protest. You will see and hear much to raise your just indignation, but keep your feelings under, or you will be of no use to the cause." It was a timely warning, and the boys acted upon it, although their chivalrous feelings were sorely tried during that night walk. Almost from the moment they turned from the hotel, where they left their horses, to the time they entered the club-house, their eyes and ears were affronted by evidences of unbridled licence and brutal tyranny. All the inhabitants appeared to be more or less under the influence of drink, women as well as men. They were generally all well dressed, most of them overdressed, while on shirt-fronts and bare necks blazed out flashing diamonds. "Are there no respectable people in Johannesburg?" asked the boys in astonishment. "The respectable people mostly stay at home on nights like this," replied Philip. "What you see are the scum of nations drawn here by the scent of gold, as vultures are to a battlefield. These are the camp followers of the great god Mammon, greater foes to freedom and progress than are the Boers. They are nearly all either thieves, spies, or reasonless beasts."