to perfection, and which, I fancy, was both flattering and apologetic.  Called on CECIL, the Colossus of Rhodes, but he was absent at the time.  Fine place, the Cape.  “Why,” I asked myself, “do our people go to Ramsgate, Southend, Herne Bay, and even Scarborough, when there is such a splendid seaside place as this to come to?” But no; because their people have done it before them, so they’ll go on doing; and, unlike yours, truly, they won’t strike out a line of their own. [N.B.—­I must beg the Editor, when he gets this, not to strike out any line of mine, as it’s business, and means advertisement.]

THE ODD TREK.

[Illustration]

Had a game of single-handed poker with one of the Trekkers, and beat him hollow.  Not at first, of course, out of politeness; but at game No. 3 he was nowhere.  Bless him, I knew a “trek” worth any three of his.  He wanted to go about with me after this, but he became such a Boer (that’s the origin of our word at home signifying “nuisance”) that I cut him, and his pack of cards too.  Just off to see the Dutch races.  Shall pick up a little coin over this.  You’ll excuse my not writing any more this week, as I have to send a lot of stun to the Daily Graphic, besides cramming and reading up for it far more than ever I did at Oxford.  However, the jeu d’esprit is well worth the chandelle.  You don’t want much about local politics—­do you?  If so, wire’s the word, and I’m there.  Looking forward to see What-can-the-Matter-be-Land, also SAM BEST, and other old friends, with whose names, at least, the papers have already made you familiar.  Must be off now, as I’ve an interview with the High Commissioner, who does all my business for me at the native races.  Obliged to give him twenty per cent. on commission, and that, of course, is the reason why he has earned the proud title of “High,” which he now deservedly enjoys.  “How’s that for High?” And the answer is, “Fifteen per cent. on ordinary business, and twenty per cent. for a win.”  Newmarket not in it with this place.  So for the present, “Adoo, adoo!” Mind you, I’ve got my eyes open, and this is my tip for all the country out here, “White to win in a few moves,” [to which I shall soon be able to put you up], and “Black not to win anyhow.”  Very hot out here; dry work, scribbling; but luckily in the Orange Free State that delicious fruit can be had for the asking.  Tell GORSTY that, and WOLFFY can use the information, if he likes, till I return. Au revoir! Yours ever,

[Illustration:  Transcriber’s Note:  “Grandolph, the Explorer.” rendered in script.]

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QUEER QUERIES.—­AUTHORSHIP.—­I should be glad to know the name of a Publisher of repute who would be likely to purchase for L1000 a first-rate Sensational Novel?  I have only written one chapter so far, but I have the plot in my head, and I think a really able and energetic Publisher would be able to judge of the work from a small specimen.  Which was the Firm that gave GEORGE ELIOT L5000 for Middlemarch? I should like to go to them.—­NO JUGGINS.