Michael Dun - 17. Chapter 17

Mrs. Minnaar met Michael and Charlie as they entered the tent and put a wry smile on her face. “A man was here, looking for you.”

Michael hesitated before answering. “Sheffield.” He whispered.

Mrs. Minnaar was curious. “Are you boys in trouble?”

Michael told her about Peter Sheffield’s endless harassment of them. “Were two younger gentlemen with him?” He asked.

“He was alone.” She remarked, then “O! Magtig..."

“What is it?” Michael asked.

Her face turned pale. She had not expected the man to reappear so quickly. But here he was, standing behind them, and the look on his face was all but friendly.

Michael spun around and the moment he saw Peter, standing in the doorway looking like a man out of the American Wild West, dressed in beige cotton trousers and boots, gun holsters, a wide rimmed hat, and a handkerchief wrapped about his neck. Michael greeted him most amicably. “Good evening, Mr. Sheffield.”

“Where are your friends?” Charlie asked.

Peter answered him without hesitation. “Detoured to the Eastern Transvaal.”

“Sorry to hear that, old chap.” Michael responded.

“Have you thought about our little idea of a partnership, at all…ever again…?”

“Our decision stands. “ Michael insisted.

“Very well. If you change your minds, the offer will be open to negotiation of course.”

“Of course. Now, if you will excuse us, madam. We shall need to sleep.” Michael picked up his hat and wallet, greeted Mrs. Minnaar and turned away. Charlie followed, desperately trying to catch up with him. Michael was angry. He kicked at stones on the ground, punched his fists in the air, climbed onto the wagon, and went to sleep.

Charlie stared at his sleeping figure and squeezed his hand gently.