Chapter 17 Summary

Bed-ridden because of the influenza and with an inkling of a heart problem, Jakob spends his days being doted upon by his wife and sister. He is visited by Dominee Stander, the captain and Sybrand Wessels, the latter with whom he would drink and joke and together they would look at the book of birds, at times pleased with the Englishman who wrote it and at others pitying his ignorance.

One night, during a visit from Pieter, Jakob suggests that they go to the family farm, Buitenverwagting. The women may come with to the Long Kloof, he says, but he and Pieter will go to the pan alone, and there they will search for the phalarope.

Returning home that evening, Pieter finds a letter from Nella under the door, which the captain had thought to bring around immediately upon receiving it. Her reply...