"He keeps late hours if he is out of bed when we get there," Van Bleit remarked. "It's after midnight." Simmonds, who had been instructed to fetch Van Bleit to the bungalow that night if possible, with difficulty repressed a smile. "I imagine he does keep late hours," he said. "The only occasions I have surprised him in bed have been in the daytime. But if he were abed I don't doubt he would see you. Nevertheless, if you prefer some other time, I am sure it will be equally convenient to him." "And if I refuse to go at all?" "Then, I expect he will drop down on you. You see his instructions are imperative. He has no voice in the matter." Van Bleit swung round suddenly and stared in the other's face. "It's a game of bluff you're playing," he said. "I don't trust you. I'll go with you to-night--yes. I'll hear the proposal this precious letter contains. But, remember, I'm armed, and I shan't hesitate to use my weapon if I see the slightest occasion." "You may reassure yourself. Great as you know our interest in you to be," Simmonds replied imperturbably, "I don't suppose either of us covets the distinction of hanging for you." CHAPTER TWELVE. Karl Van Bleit was neither popular nor especially respected among his fellows, nevertheless a sensation that had in it something of consternation supervened when the news burst like a bomb over Cape Town that he had been arrested on a charge of murder. His connection with the Smythes added considerably to the interest, and lent a social importance to the affair. Speculation was rife concerning the crime, the details of which were tardy in forthcoming; only the barest facts were known, and these were sufficiently unusual to strain public curiosity to the utmost. A sense of mystery enveloped the affair: the lonely bungalow; the hour; the unexplained connection between the three men, who had met by arrangement seemingly, for what reason had not transpired; the shooting affray, in which one man, Simmonds, had been killed; and finally the arrest of Van Bleit, who had on leaving the bungalow walked into town and given himself up to the authorities.