I need a heavy hammer to drive a long nail, he protested. Oh, no,

groaned Duff. Your wit at this time of the morning is like pork for

breakfast, heavy on the stomach Sean took a silk shirt out of his

drawer, held it like a toreador's cape, made two passes and swirled it

onto his back with a half veronica. Ole! applauded Duff wryly. Sean

pulled on his trousers and sat to fit his boots.

You're in a nice mood this morning, he told Duff. I've just come

through an emotional hurricane! What's the trouble? Candy wants a

church wedding. Is that bad? Well, it's not good. Why? Is your

memory so short? oh, you mean your other wife. That's right, my other

wife. Have you told Candy about her? Good God, no. Duff looked

horrified.

Yes, I see your problem, what about Candy's husband?

Doesn't that even the score between you? No, he has gone to his reward.

Well, that's convenient. Does anyone else know you're married already?

Duff shook his head.

What about Francois? No, I never told him. Well, what's your problem

Go down to church and marry her.

Duff looked uncomfortable.

I don't mind marrying a second time in a magistrate's court, it would

only be a couple of old Dutchmen I'd be cheating, but to go into a

church -'Duff shook his head.

I'd be the only one who'd know, said Sean. You and the headman. Duff!

Sean beamed at him. Duff, my boy, you have scruples, this is amazing!

Duff squirmed a little in his chair.

Let me think. Sean held his forehead dramatically. Yes, yes, it's

coming to me, that's it. Come on, tell me.

Duff sat on the edge of his chair. Go to Candy and tell her it's all

fixed, not only are you prepared to marry her in a church but you're

even going to build your own church. That's wonderful, Duff murmured

sarcastically, that's the way out of my difficulties all right. Let me

finish. Sean started filling his silver cigar case. You also tell her

that you want a civil ceremony as well believe that's what royalty do.

Tell her that! it should win her over. I still don't follow you. Then

you build your own chapel up at Xanadu, we can find a

distinguished-looking character, dress him up in a dog collar and teach

him the right words. That keeps Candy happy. Immediately after the

service the priest takes the coach for Capetown. You take Candy down to

the magistrate's office and that keeps you happy Duff looked stunned

then slowly his face broke into a great happy smile. Genius, pure

Inspired genius Sean buttoned his waistcoat. Think nothing of it. And

now if you'll excuse me I'll go and do some work, one of us has to make

sufficient to allow you to indulge these strange fancies of yours. Sean

shrugged on his coat, picked up his cane and swung it. The gold head

gave it a balance like a handmade shotgun.

The silk next to his skin and the halo of bay rum round his head made

him feel good.

He went down the stairs. Mbejane had the carriage waiting for him in

the Hotel yard. The body tilted slightly at Sean's weight and the

leather upholstery welcomed him with a yeilding softness. He lit his

first cigar of the day and Mbejane smiled at him. I see you, Nkosi. I

see you also, Mbejane, what is that lump on the side of your head?

Nkosi, I was a little drunk, otherwise that ape of a Basuto would never

have touched me with his fighting stick Mbejane rolled the carriage

smoothly out of the yard and into the street.

What were you fighting aboutV Mbejane shrugged. Must a man have a

reason to fight? It is usual. It is in my memory that there was a

woman, said Mbejane.

That is also usual, who won this fight? The man bled a little, his

friends took him away. The woman, when I left, was smiling in her

sleep. Sean laughed, then ran his eyes over the undulating plain of

Mbejane's bare back. It was definitely not in keeping. He hoped his

secretary had remembered to speak to the tailor. They pulled up in

front of his offices. One of his clerks hurried down off the veranda

and opened the door of the carriage. Good morning, Mr Courtney. Sean

went up the stairs with his clerk running ahead of him like a hunting

dog. Good morning Mr Courtney, another polite chorus from the row of

desks in the main office. Sean waved his cane at them and went through