When the Lion Feeds

by Wilbur Smith

  He bowed to acknowledge the applause and then he caught sight of Sean standing in the doorway. He wiped his mouth guiltily_with the back of his hand and jumped down off the counter. The other men in the crowd turned and saw Sean and the noise tapered off. They spread out along the bar in silence. Sean led Francois and Curtis into the room. He placed a pile of sovereigns on the counter.

  Set them up, barman, take the orders. Today is Saturday and it’s time to tie the dog loose. Cheers, Mr Courtney. Good luck, sirGezondheid, Mr Courtney.

  Their voices were subdued with respect.

  drink up, men, there’s plenty more where that came from. Sean stood with Francois and Curtis at the bar.

  They laughed at his jokes. His voice was loud with good fellowship and his face flushed with happiness. He bought more drinks. After a while his bladder started making its presence felt and he went through the back door into the washrooms. There were men talking in there; he stopped before he rounded the edge of the screen into the room.

  ... what’s he want to come here for, hey? This isn’t the mucking Rand Club. Shh! He’ll hear you, man, do YOU Want to lose your job? I don’t give a tilmn. Who does he think he is, “Drink up, boys, there’s plenty more where that came from, I’m the boss, boys, do as you’re told, boys, kiss my arse, boys! Sean stood paralyzed. Pipe down, Frank, he’ll go just nowThe sooner the better, say I, the big dandy bastard with his ten-guinea boots and gold cane. Let him go back where he belongsYou’re drunk, man, don’t talk so loudSure I’m drunk, drunk enough to go in there and tell him to his face. .

  Sean backed out through the door and walked slowly across the bar to Francois and Curtis. I hope you’ll excuse me; I’ve just remembered there’s something I’ve got to do this afternoon That’s too bad, boss.

  Curtis looked relieved. Perhaps some other time, hey? Yes, perhaps some other time. They were pleased to see him when he went up to the Rand Club. Three men nearly fought one another to buy him a drink.

  He had dinner with Candy that night and over the liqueurs he told her about it. She listened without interruption until he finished. They didn’t want me there, I don’t see what I’ve done to them that they should dislike me that way And it worries you? she asked. Yes, it worries me. I’ve never had people feel like that towards me before. I’m glad it worries you. She smiled gently at him. one day you’re going to grow into quite a nice person. But why do they hate me? Sean followed his original line of thought.

  They’re jealous of you, you say this man said, “tenguinea boots and gold cane”, that is what’s behind it.

  YOU are different from them now, you’re rich. You can’t expect them to accept that. But I’ve never done anything to them, he protested. You don’t have to. One thing I’ve found in this life for everything you get you have to pay a price. This is part of the payment you have to make for success Hell, I wish Duff was here, said Sean.

  Then Duff would explain to you that it doesn’t matter, wouldn’t he? said Candy. “Who gives a damn for them, laddie, the unwashed herd? We can do without them, “ she mimicked. Sean scratched the side of his nose and looked down at the table. Please, Sean, don’t ever let DUff teach you that people don’t matter. He doesn’t believe it himself, but he’s so convincing. People are important. They are more important than gold or places or, or anything Sean looked up at her. I realized that once; when I was trapped in the Candy Deep. I saw it very clearly then in the darkness and the mud. I made a resolution. He grinned sheepishly.

  I told myself I’d never hurt anyone again if I could help it. I really meant it, Candy. I felt it so strongly at the time, but, but. . Yes, I think I understand. That’s a big resolution to make and a much bigger one to keep. I don’t think any single experience is enough to change a person’s way of thinking. It’s like building a wall brick by brick. You add to it a little at a time until at last it’s finished. I’ve told you before, Sean, that you have a strength in you. I think one day you’ll finish building your wall, and when you do, it will have no weak spots.

  The next Tuesday Sean rode up to Xanadu for the first time since Duff had left. Johnson and four of the clerks from the office were at work in the ballroom, packing and labelling the presents. Nearly finished, Johnson? Just about, Mr Courtney, I’ll send a couple of wagons up tomorrow morning to fetch this lot. Yes, do that. I don’t want them lying around here any longer. He went up the marble staircase and stood on the top landing. The house had a dead feeling to it: was new and was waiting for people to come into it and bring it to life. He went down the corridor, stopping to look at all the paintings that Candy had chosen. They were oils in soft pastels, woman’s colours.

  We can do without these, I’ll get some with fire in them, scarlets and blacks and bright blues. He pushed open the door to his own bedroom.

  This was better. vivid Persian rugs on the floor, walls panelled in dark satiny wood and a bed like a polo field. He lay on the bed and looked up at the scrolled ornate plaster ceiling. I wish Duff were back, we can do some real living in this house. He went downstairs again.

  Johnson was waiting at the foot of the stairs. All finished, sir. Good man! Off you go, then. He went through into the study and walked across to the gun rack. He took down a Purdey shotgun, carried it to the french windows and looked at it in the light. His nostrils flared a little at the nostalgic smell of gun oil. He brought the gun up to his shoulder, felt the true exciting balance of it and enjoyed it. He swung the barrels in an arc across the room, following the flight of an imaginary bird, and suddenly Duff’s face was in his sights. Sean was taken so by surprise that he stood with the gun trained at Duff’s head.

  Don’t shoot, I’ll come quietly, said Duff solemnly.

  Sean lowered the shotgun and carried it back to the rack.

  Hello.

  Hello, Duff answered, still standing in the doorway.

  Sean made a pretence of fitting the gun into the rack with his back to DuffHow are you, laddie? Fine! Fine! How’s everybody else? To whom do you refer, in particular? Sean asked. Candy, for one. Sean considered the question. Well, you could have damaged her more by feeding her into a stamp mill! Bad, hey? Bad, agreed Sean.

  They stood in silence for a while.

  I take it that you are not very well disposed towards me either, Duff said at last.

  Sean shrugged his shoulders and moved across to the fireplace.

  Dufford, you’re a pig, he said conversationally.

  Duff winced. Well, it was nice knowing you, laddie. I suppose from here on our paths diverge? Don’t drivel, Duff, you’re wasting; time.

  Pour the drinks and then you can tell me what it feels like being a pig.

  Also I want to discuss with you those paintings Candy has plastered along the upstairs corridor. I don’t know whether to give them away or burn them. Duff straightened up from leaning against the door jamb, he tried to stop the relief showing on his face but Sean went on quickly, Before we close the lid on the subject and bury it, I want to tell you this. I don’t like what you did. I can see why you did it, but I don’t like it.

  That’s my piece said. Have you got anything to add to it? No! said Duff. All right then. I think you’ll find a bottle of Courvoisier right at the back of the cabinet behind the whisky decanter Sean went down to Candy’s Hotel that evening and found Candy in her office. He’s back, Candy. Oh! Candy caught her breath. How is he, Sean? A little chastened, but not muchI didn’t mean that, I meant is he well? The same as ever. He had the grace to ask how you were, said Sean.

  What did you tell him? asked Candy.

  Sean shrugged and sat down in the chair next to her desk. He looked at the tall stacks of sovereigns that Candy was counting.

  is that last night’s bar takings? he asked, avoiding her question.

  Yes, she answered absently.

  You’re rich, will you marry me? he smiled.

  Candy stood up and walked across to the window. I suppose you two will be moving up to Xanadu now, she said. Sean grunted an
d she went on quickly. The Heyns brothers will take over the Victoria rooms they’ve spoken to me about it already, so don’t worry about that. You’ll have fun up there, it will be marvelous for you. I bet you’ll have parties every night and crowds of people. I don’t mind, I’ve gotten used to the idea now Sean stood up and went to her, he took her gently by the elbow and turned her to face him. He gave her the silk handkerchief out of his top pocket to blow her nose. Do you want to see him again, Candy? She shook her head, not trusting her voice.

  I’ll look after him like I promised. He gave her a hug and turned to go.

  Sean, she called after him. He looked back. You’ll come to see me sometimes. We could have dinner and talk a little. You’ll still be my friend, won’t you? Of course, Candy, of course, my dear. She smiled damply. If you pack your things and Duff’s I’ll have them sent up to Xanadu for you.

  Sean looked across the boardroom table at Duff, seeking his support.

  Duff blew a thick ring of cigar smoke. It spun and expanded like a ripple in a pond before it hit the table top and disintegrated. Duff wasn’t going; to back him up, Sean realized bitterly. They had argued half the previous night. He had hoped that Duff might still change his mind. Now he knew he wouldn’t. He made one last appeal.

  They have asked for a ten percent wage increase. I believe they need it, prices have soared in this town, but wages have remained the same.

  These men have wives and children, gentlemen, can’t we take that into account? Duff blew another smoke and Hradsky pulled his watch from his pocket and looked at it pointedly. Max coughed and interrupted. I think we’ve been over that before, Mr Courtney. Could we put it to the vote now? Sean watched Hradsky’s hand go up against him. He didn’t want to look at Duff. He didn’t want to see him vote with Hradsky, but he forced himself to turn his head.

  Duff’s hands were on the table in front of him. He blew another smoke ring and watched it hit the table top.

  Those in favour of the motion? asked Max, and Duff and Sean raised their right hands together. Sean realized then how much it would have meant if Duff had voted against him. Duff winked at him and he couldn’t help grinning.

  That is thirty votes for, and sixty against, declared Max. Therefore Mr Courtney’s motion falls to the ground. I will inform the Mineworkers, Union of the decision. Now is there any other business before we close the meeting? Sean walked with Duff back to his own office. The only reason I supported you was because I knew Hradsky would win anyway, said Duff pleasantly. Sean snorted. He’s right, of course, Duff went on unperturbed as he held open the door to Sean’s office. A ten percent wage increase would jump the group working costs up ten thousand a month. Sean kicked the door closed behind them and didn’t answer. For God’s sake, Sean, don’t carry this goodwilltowards-men attitude to absurdity. Hradsky’s right Kruger is likely to slap another one of his taxes on us at any moment and we’ve got to finance all that new development on the East Rand. We can’t let production costs creep up now. All right, gruffed Sean. It’s all settled. I just hope we don’t have a strike on our hands. There are ways of dealing with strikes.

  Hradsky has got the police on our side and we can have a couple of hunched men up from Kimberley in no time at all, Duff told him.

  Duff, it’s wrong. You know it’s wrong. That grotesque Buddha with the little eyes knows it’s wrong.

  But what can I do? Damn it, what can I do? Sean exploded. I feel so bloody helpless. Well, you’re the one who wanted to give him control.

  Duff laughed at him. Stop trying to change the world and let’s go home.

  Max was waiting for them in the outer office. He looked nervous. Excuse me, gentlemen, could I have a word with you? Who’s talking, Sean asked abruptly, you or Hradsky? It’s a private matter, Mr Courtney. Max dropped his voice. Can’t it wait until tomorrow? Sean pushed past him and kept going for the door. Please, Mr Courtney, it’s of the utmost importance.

  Max plucked desperately at Sean’s arm.

  What is it, Max? Duff asked. I have to speak to you alone, Max dropped his voice again and glanced unhappily at the street door.

  Well, speak then, Duff encouraged him. We’re alone now. Not here. Can you meet me later? Duff raised an eyebrow. What is this, Maximilian, don’t tell me you are selling dirty pictures. Mr Hradsky is waiting for me at the hotel. I told him I was coming to find some papers, he’ll get suspicious if I don’t go back immediately. Max was nearly in tears; his Adam’s apple played hide-and-seek behind his high collar, bobbing out and disappearing again. Duff was suddenly very interested in what Max had to say.

  You don’t want Norm in to know about this? he asked.

  My goodness, no. Max came closer to tears. When do you want to meet us? Tonight, after ten o’clock when Mr Hradsky has retired Where? asked Duff. There’s a side road round the east end of the Little Sister Mine dump. it’s not used any more. know it, said Duff. We’ll ride along there about half past ten. Thank you, Mr Charleywood, you won’t regret it max scampered for the door and disappeared.

  Duff adjusted his beaver at the correct angle, then he prodded Sean in the belly with the point of his cane. Smell it, suck it in Duff sniffed appreciatively and Sean did the same.

  I don’t smell a thing, Sean declared. The air is thick with it, Duff told him. The sweet smell of treachery. They left Xanadu just after half past nine. Duff insisted on wearing a black opera cloak.

  Atmosphere is vital, laddie, you can’t go to a rendezvous like this dressed in dirty khaki pants and veldschoen. it would ruin the whole thing. Well, I’m damned if I’m going to get into fancy dress.

  This is a very good suit. it will have to do. Can’t I persuade you to wear a pistol in Your belt? asked Duff wistfully.

  No, laughed Sean.

  No? Duff shook his head. You’re a barbarian, laddie.

  No taste, that’s your trouble. They avoided the main streets on their way through Johannesburg and met the Cape road half a mile beyond the town. There was only a minute slice of moon left in the dark bowl of the sky. The stars, however, were big and by their light the white mine dumps, each the size Of a large hill, stood out like pustules on the earth’s face.

  Despite himself, Sean felt a little breathless with excitement, Duff Is zest was always infectious. They cantered with their stirrups almost touching, Duff’s cloak billowing out behind him and the breeze of their passage fanning the tip of Sean’s cigar to a fierce red spark. Slow down, Duff, the turning’s just about here somewhere. It’s overgrown, well miss it.

  They reined to a walk.

  what’s the timev asked Duff.

  Sean drew on his cigar and held his watch close to the glow. A quarter after ten. We’re early. My bet is Maximilian will be there before us, here’s the road Duff turned his horse onto it and Sean followed him. The Little Sister Mine dump rose up next to them, steep and white in the starlight. They skirted it but its bulk threw a shadow over them.

  Duff’s horse snorted and shied and Sean gripped with his knees as his own horse danced sideways. max had stepped out from a scraggy cluster of bushes next to the road. Well met by moonlight, Maximilian, Duff greeted him. Please bring your horses off the road, gentlemen. Max was still showing signs of the afternoon’s agitation. They tied their horses next to Max’s among the bushes and walked across to join him.

  Well, Max, what’s new? How are the folks? Duff asked. Before we go any further in this matter, I want you gentlemen to give me your word of honour that, whether anything comes of it or not, you will never say a word to anybody of what I tell you tonight Max was very pale, Sean thought, or perhaps it was just the starlight.

  I agree to that, said Sean.

  Cross my heart, said Duff.

  Max opened the front of his coat and brought out a long envelope. I think if I show you these first it will make it easier to explain my proposition. Sean took the envelope from him. What are they, Max? The latest statements from all four banks at which Mr Hradsky deals.

  Matches
, Sean, give us a light, laddie, said Duff eagerly. I have a lantern with me, Max said and he squatted down to light it. Sean and Duff squatted with him and laid the bank statements in the circle of yellow light.

  They examined them in silence until at Last Sean rocked back on his heels and lit another cigar.

  Well, I am glad I don’t owe that much money Sean announced. Sean folded up the sheets and put them back in the envelope. He slapped the envelope into the palm of his free hand and started chuckling. Max reached across, took it from him and placed it carefully back inside his coat. All right, Max, spell it out for us said Sean. Max leaned forward and blew out the lantern. What he had to say was easier said in darkness. The large cash payment that Mr Hradsky had to make to you gentlemen and the limitation of output from his diamond mines in terms of the new cartel agreements in the diamond industry have forced him to borrow heavily on all his banks. Max stopped and cleared his throat.

  The extent of this borrowing you have seen. Of course, the banks demanded security for the loans and Mr Hradsky has given them his entire holding of C. R. C. shares. The banks have set a limit on the shares of thirty-five shillings each. As you know C. R. C. s are currently quoted at ninety shillings, which leaves a wide margin of safety.

  However, if the shares were to suffer a setback and fall in price to thirty-five shillings the banks would sell. They would share that Mr Hradsky owns in dump every single C. R. C. s onto the market. _, Go on, Max, said Duff. I’m beginning to like the sound of your voice. It occurred to me that if Mr Hradsky were temporarily absent from Johannesburg, say if he went on a trip to England to buy new machinery or something of that it would be possible for you gentlemen to force the price of C. R. C. s down to thirty-five shillings. Done correctly it would only take three or four days to accomplish. You could sell short and start rumours that the Leader Reef had pinched out at depth. Mr Hradsky would not be here to defend his interests. as soon as C. R. C.