The story begins with the announcement of the murder of Mr. and Mrs. Garstone, European settlers in Kenya, by their own "houseboy," a native of Kenya who had worked for them. The news of this act of rebellion by "unknown gangsters" is widespread. Mrs. Hardy and Mrs. Smiles, European settlers in the area, visit Mrs. Hill, also a European settler, to discuss the news. Mrs. Hill, one of the first settlers to the area, owns vast tea plantations. Her husband has died, and her children are at school in England. She prides herself on her fair and generous treatment of the Africans whom she employs. She is especially proud of her generosity in building the huts of her employees with real bricks. Mrs. Hill believes that the Africans can be "civilized" with the proper patience and understanding. Mrs. Hardy and Mrs. Smiles, on the other hand...