Part 15 (1/2)
”Two hundred rupees for each gun!”
Fred laughed The demand was intended to be away over our heads The collector bridled
”But no ammunition,” he went on, ”until your claim to respectability has been confiruns You've told un?” said Fred ”Counting a pistol or revolver as one? Three guns apiece--nine guns--eighteen hundred rupees' deposit?”
The collector nodded with a sort of grim pleasure in his own unreasonableness Fred drew out our new check book
”You fellows agreeable?” he asked, and we nodded
”Here's a check on the Moovernain if it wants it,” he said ”Make me out a receipt please, and write on it what it's for”
The collector wrote He was confused, for he had to tear up et interest on the al local rate?” asked Fred maliciously
”I'll inquire about that,” said the collector
”Excuse ive you so, look into the antecedents of Lady Isobel Saffren Waldon! It's she who gave out the tip against us Her tip's a bad one So is she”
”She hasn't applied for guns or a license,” the collector answered tartly ”It's people ant to carry firearms--people able and likely to make trouble e keep an eye on”
”She'shouse!” put in Will Yerkes ”Ifthis business out! I' to let them know in the States what sort of welcome people receive at this port!”
”You came of your own accord You weren't invited,” the collector answered
”That's a straight-out lie!” snapped Will ”You know it's a lie! Why, there isn't a newspaper in South Africa that hasn't been carrying ads of this country for months past Even papers I've had sent ent dope about it Why, you've been yelling for settlers like a kid squalling for oing to write and tell the U S
papers what that dope is worth!”
”Ivory hunters are not settlers,” the collector interjected
”Who said we're ivory hunters?” Will was in a fine rage, and Fred and I leaned back to enjoy the official's discoame as one of the chief attractions! All the inforainst us overnentlemen do where I was raised!”
”There is no intention to offend,” said the collector
”Intention is good!” said Will, laughing in spite of hi I want to know What about auns They're useless without cartridges What about it?”
”The guns shall be sent to your hotel tonight The provisional sporting licenses--if you want the--seven hundred and fifty rupees apiece--I'll charge theainst your deposit If the licenses should be confirh the post for fifty rounds of ammunition each”
Will snorted Fred Oakes yelled with laughter, and I gaped with indignation
”I' into this to the hilt!” spluttered Fred ”I wouldn't haveto constitute ourselves a co to wander the country over and report home to the newspapers--South African--British--U S A--and any other part of the world that's interested! We won't worry about ammunition Send us permits for whatever quantity seems to you proper, and we'll note it all down in our diaries!”
We all stood up, the collector obviously uncomfortable and we, if not at ease, at least happier than we had been
Fred nodded to the collector genially, and we all walked out