The Fire of Life Read online

  He's all right?'

  Taken to hospital, and he may lose his leg. The one that saved him raced up to one of the wardens and shouted for help. I was there, so we went down. A bright piccanin to think of it. His father works

  here.'

  Then shouldn't he know not to paddle in the water?'

  Cary looked amused. ' Isn't it a temptation for anyone to swim on a day as hot as this?'

  Then you find it hot, too? I thought it was just me.'

  Cary laughed. ' The rooinek sensitive touch, eh? No, it's unusually hot. By the way, we're having a visitor.'

  We are?' Rayanne tried to sound surprised. She felt uncomfortably guilty because of what she had overheard that morning.

  Yes—a bit of a bind. She thinks she knows everything, and I can't stand that kind of woman.'

  ' Really?' Rayanne, remembering what his mother had said, smiled. Can you stand any type of woman?'

  Cary put his hand under her elbow. Let's get some shade,' he said. That is a provocative question.'

  There were several chairs and a round white table under an enormous tree, through whose branches, covered closely with dark green leaves, the sun could hardly find its way.

  Cary gave her a gentle push so that she had to sit down, then he pulled up a chair and sat down opposite, narrowing his eyes as he looked at her.

  What makes you think I hate women?'

  ' I didn't say hate.' Rayanne lifted her hand and touched each finger as she spoke. I said can you stand any type of woman. First I hear you say women are a headache, then a nuisance and now

  a bind. Doesn't that rather imply that you would prefer to be without us?'

  Heaven forbid!' said Cary, smiling at her. ' How miserable and boring life would be if we were all men.'

  ' I wonder if you'd really mind. With your dedication to work, surely.'

  You've been listening to my mother! Actually I spend a lot of time enjoying my leisure. I'd say I like women very much—but in their proper place.'

  ' And where is that?' Rayanne paused, then smiled: ' In England it would be by the kitchen sink, of course, but as you're lucky enough to have a good staff, I suppose it's behind the coffee table.'

  In a way, yes,' Cary said slowly, as if thinking. ' On the other hand, wouldn't she be a bit of a bore? I mean, Daphne is rather like that. She never reads anything, she just isn't interested in the world or its inhabitants. She's an excellent nurse . . . but let's face it, she admitted it to us once, she only became a nurse because she was told it was a good way of finding a husband.'

  But she's very beautiful. I'm sure she . . .

  Beauty isn't everything a man wants, you know.' He offered her a cigarette and when she refused asked if she'd mind if he had one.

  Of course not. I just don't care for smoking.'

  Sensible girl.' He blew out a great puff of smoke. She felt the urge to tell him how bad it was for his lungs, but she held her tongue, because it was no business of hers! Well, to return . . . what sort of woman, you asked me?'

  I did not. You twist everything. I said where

  is woman's proper place?'

  He smiled. I accept the correction meekly.

  Now, where is woman's proper place? Perhaps I should say in a man's arms.'

  There was a silence, a silence Rayanne could almost hear as she stared at him. She shivered. Had he guessed the truth? Had he seen in her eyes that that was just where she wanted to be? In his arms.

  Then Cary laughed and broke the moment up. I know you're not thinking that way, Ray. I think I'd like a woman to have an interest in life; perhaps voluntary work; perhaps a career—something that makes her use her brains and mix with people. I like extroverts, rather than introverts—I don't like women who throw their weight around and think they know everything. Aileen Hampton is one of these. , I daresay she's a good vet, but she needn't keep telling me so.' He looked up towards the house. Ah, she's come. Good. I'm glad I found you out here.'

  You are?' Rayanne was startled. But why?'

  I want her to see that I'm already bespoken.' He chuckled. That is, if you don't mind me using you as the dummy I guess you're used to it by now with all Mother's ramblings. She'll bring Aileen out. Try to look at me as if you like me, Ray, and not your usual haughty look.'

  I look at you . Rayanne paused. It was

  all happening so fast. Cary was making use of her as he believed this Aileen was chasing him! He thought it meant nothing, then . . . then he had no idea, Rayanne comforted herself, that she loved

  him?

  He smiled and put his hand lightly round her shoulders after he pulled her to her feet. We'd better go and meet them.'

  As they walked across the lawn, she was only really conscious of the touch of his hand on her warm arm, and then she saw the group coming out on to the stoep and down the few steps to the grass.

  Mrs Jefferson led the way, her plump little body in a pale yellow frock, her hands clasped in front of her waist, her face worried as she was followed by a girl and a man.

  Ah, Cary, there you are. I couldn't find you. Your guests have arrived,' she called, her voice clear in the quiet hot air.

  Behind her followed the tall girl, with long slender legs, a beautiful face and red hair!

  Rayanne caught her breath. Why, that was how her mother must have looked when she was young. That lovely cloud of red hair—the high cheekbones, the rather full mouth, the warm smile . . .

  Miss Hampton. I hope the drive here from the airport wasn't too exhausting,' Cary said, shaking hands. ' I want you to meet Rayanne Briscoe.'

  Aileen Hampton smiled at Rayanne. A warm smile; genuine, surely, Rayanne thought.

  Cary,' Aileen turned to him, ignoring the formality in his voice, I do hope you'll forgive me, but I brought a friend along, Burt West.' She turned to the man by her side.

  Rayanne stared at him and he stared back. There was nothing striking about him except that he was very short—about her height, she noticed. He gave

  her a friendly smile. His blond hair was untidy, he looked tired.

  I hope you'll forgive me, Mr Jefferson, but it was a chance in a thousand. I'm a professional photographer and would be most grateful if you'd let me take photographs of what goes on here. I'm planning an article on this wild life conservation,' he said. It's not easy to break the barrier of Jefferson Hall,' he added, with a rather sweet shy smile, and when I met Aileen and she told me she was coming here and suggested I escorted her .. . well . . .' he gave a little nervous laugh, ' I took the chance. I'd show you the article and the photographs before I submitted them to the magazine, of course. I really am interested,' he added, a pleading note in his voice.

  How funny,' Rayanne said quickly, feeling sorry for him and wondering why Cary was so silent. ' I'm writing a thesis on wild life conservation.'

  Burt West smiled at her almost gratefully. Then we're looking for the same thing.' He turned to silent Cary and smiled. Let's face it, I admit I've never had much time for wild life conservation and I thought if I could see it for myself and how it works out, I might understand how you chaps feel about it.

  Cary's stern face relaxed. How right you are!

  We shall try to convert you. Of course you can stay with us. I don't know if we have room in the house, but there are . .

  Mrs Jefferson stepped forward. Most certainly

  not, Cary. No guest of mine is going into one of

  those rondavels. We'll be delighted to have you

  stay a while, Mr West.'

  He smiled at her. Burt, please, Mrs Jefferson.

  This is awfully good of you.'

  You've come at a good time,' Cary said. ' The next course starts in a few days, and you might be interested in the lectures and tours we take the students on.'

  ` Oh, I will be. This is marvellous.' Burt pressed his hands together and smiled at them all. A chance in a lifetime! '

  And how are you, Cary?' Aileen Hampton asked, moving to his side. ' You look a bit harassed.
'

  Well, we've just had a kid nearly caught by a croc, and it's always rather shattering.'

  ' He's all right?'

  Mrs Jefferson was pale. He wasn't . . . ?'

  No.' Cary quickly told them what he had already told Rayanne.

  ' I hope the crocodile's eye wasn't hurt,' said Aileen. Is he still there?'

  No, he slid off in the water when he saw us running down. I felt like shooting him,' said Cary.

  It really does happen?' Burt said eagerly. ' I mean . .

  Only,' Cary's voice was curt, if you're fool enough to walk in the river, or near the edge.'

  Burt got the message, for he grinned. Don't

  worry, I'm not a fool.'

  I think we'd better show our visitors to their rooms,' Mrs Jefferson said. And you, Cary, must go and wash your face. I've never seen you looking like that. And no socks or shoes—tch, tch! Come

  along, my dear.' She took Aileen's arm. ' I hope you'll enjoy your visit here.'

  I'm sure I shall,' Aileen Hampton smiled at Cary. ' I've been looking forward to it for a long time.'

  Rayanne found herself walking by Burt West's side. He yawned and grinned, Sorry about that. I find this heat rather exhausting. Where are you from?'

  England. And you?' Rayanne found it easy to talk to him. Maybe because she hadn't to tilt her head and look up at him? she wondered.

  London. I've known Aileen for years. A real beaut, isn't she?'

  She certainly is,' Rayanne said warmly, and knew the pangs of jealousy, for Cary was talking to the girl, laughing, his hand under her elbow as he helped her up the few steps to the stoep.

  The next few days were strange ones for Rayanne. Sometimes she wondered if they could really be happening or if there was something wrong with herself, for nothing made sense.

  In the first place, Mrs Jefferson practically ignored her. Normally this wouldn't be strange, but after the fuss she had made of Rayanne, and the real love she had shown, her sudden chilliness, her ignoring Rayanne while spending all her time talking eagerly to Aileen Hampton was so completely different that Rayanne could not help feeling hurt. Had she done something wrong? she wondered. Said something unintentionally that annoyed Mrs Jefferson—or was it just that Cary's mother had decided Aileen Hamp-

  ton would be the perfect wife for Cary?

  Maybe she would, for no one could deny that Aileen was one of the nicest people Rayanne had ever known. Very friendly, always paying little compliments about that colour matches your eyes perfectly' or ' you should wear long dresses more often, they give you a glamorous look '. Not silly, obviously false compliments, but words said with sincerity. Aileen and Rayanne spent many an hour late at night talking together, feeling the heat and sitting on the screened stoep, looking at the beauty of the starlit sky. They learned to know one another well. Aileen was an only child, smothered with love, while Rayanne felt that no one in her family cared for her. They discussed their problems, gave one another advice. It was impossible, Rayanne knew, that no matter how envious and jealous she felt, it was impossible not to like Aileen very much.

  The only person who didn't was Cary! This was the oddest thing to Rayanne, for she just could not understand why he was so cool and impersonal to Aileen, often formal, almost rude. He rarely talked to her alone; far more often seeking out Rayanne and sitting with her.

  Right from the beginning, they seemed to have divided up into strange groups. That first evening Cary had turned to Rayanne.

  Ray, would you mind taking Burt round with you and Kwido? I'm rather short of Land Rovers at the moment. Seeing you're both interested in the same phase of wild life conservation, it might help.'

  Of course I don't mind,' Ray had agreed instantly.

  And so, during the mornings, sometimes in the afternoons, Rayanne and Burt would go off with Kwido. It was in many ways much more interesting, Rayanne found. She liked Burt; they were both relaxed together. Kwido showed them everything and Burt never stopped asking questions. He carried with him a small tape recorder—so that later in the afternoon he and Rayanne could listen to Kwido's descriptions, and make notes of what they felt was important.

  Meanwhile Cary would take Aileen Hampton and leave her with Leslie and Loftus, saying that he was busy preparing for the next lot of students. It was true that the staff was already arriving and that no doubt Cary was busy, Rayanne thought, but she didn't feel this really excused his behaviour, for he was little short of rude to Aileen. Not that Aileen worried about it. If she and Rayanne ever discussed Cary, Aileen was full of admiration. She thought he was a wonderful man, unselfish, dedicated, a devoted son; in fact, super! That he would make some lucky woman a wonderful husband. It was obvious she was hoping to be the ' lucky woman '. Rayanne learned how to agree laughingly, to talk lightly of Christine and Daphne's attempts to ' hook him ', and Aileen, having met them both during her introduction to everyone and everything, agreed that they hadn't a hope '.

  Cary is different. He wants someone with more than a pretty face;' Aileen said. He needs someone who understands his fanatic love not only for animals but for everything to do with them.'.

  In the evenings Rayanne would feel sorry for

  Aileen, though, oddly enough, Aileen didn't seem to notice anything strange, for every night Cary chose to sit by Rayanne, making it obvious that he liked her company, doing many little thoughtful things that surprised Rayanne and hurt her as well, for she knew he was doing it for one reason only. Not because he loved her—but because he wanted to make Aileen realise there was no hope '. Yet Aileen seemed happy enough, chatting with Mrs Jefferson and Burt; or with Leslie and Loftus, whom Mrs Jefferson frequently invited, sometimes with and sometimes without Christine and Daphne.

  Then the students arrived. Most of them were in their late teens, great husky lads full of noise and laughter which would sometimes drift across the garden to the house. There were quite a few girls, all dressed in crazy-looking clothes but obviously enjoying their stay. The lectures were in the afternoons, so Rayanne and Burt were able to attend. Burt would sit, looking entranced, as he listened to Cary's lectures.

  There was no doubt, Rayanne thought, but Cary was a wonderful lecturer. He could make the dullest facts interesting. He could show them the importance of conservation, the difficulties, the plans for the future. He could even prove the importance of preserving the wild life of the country.

  Burt admitted he was converted. Somehow I

  hadn't thought of it that way,' he told Rayanne

  ' I know, that was how I felt at first. It seemed such a waste of money to keep all these wild animals in safe comfort when so many millions of people were starving and homeless,' she agreed. Yet now . .

  The students seemed really interested and there were a number of small buses which took them round the reserve every day. Of course the skill of the game catchers was demonstrated and the students saw how the animals were drugged for examination, or transported to a different reserve. Naturally the students were fascinated by the crossbow and dart that looked like an ordinary hypodermic syringe with a tail added and that when it sank into the animal's hide or skin, soon drugged him and sent him to sleep. After the examination, treatment or removal, an antidote to the drug was given and the animal recovered within seconds and without any harm having been done. In fact, frequently wounds had been treated or even operations performed successfully.

  Rayanne, Burt and Kwido followed some of the demonstrations, but Cary said to them that later he would let them take part in a real one.

  ' I've promised to transport a dozen white hippos to England. It's going to be quite a performance.'

  Rayanne said nothing, but she wondered just how long Aileen and Burt planned to stay ! Which rather applied to her, too, she thought worriedly. How long could you pretend it took to write a thesis? And what was she going to write? She always had the fear that one day Cary would ask to see it. How could she refuse when he had been so generous as to let her stay for so long?
/>   Burt was producing some amazingly good photos. He even said that maybe he would write a book about it all. He smiled as he spoke.

  Aiming high, but why not? I'm a journalist.'

  But are people sufficiently interested?' Rayanne asked.

  ' We should make them,' said Burt, his freckles showing bright in the sunshine.

  One evening Rayanne was late joining the family group ' as Mrs Jefferson called it with a quick smile at Aileen, and Cary was sitting next to Aileen, listening to what she was saying, nodding his head. He looked up as Rayanne entered the room, left Aileen immediately, though she was in the middle of a sentence, and went to Rayanne, to lead her to a chair, get her a drink and sit down by her side.

  Rayanne looked at him, keeping her voice very quiet. ' Is it necessary to be so rude?' she asked.

  Cary smiled. Was it so obvious? Then it was successful. The best remedy is to behave so badly that the hunter loses interest,' he said with equal quietness, bending close to her.

  Rayanne was looking at Aileen. Surely it must have hurt her? Or was she so sure of success that things like this seemed to her trivial? Rayanne wondered. Aileen was talking to Mrs Jefferson, who looked rather upset, glancing across the room towards her son. Rayanne sighed. Had Mrs Jefferson decided that Aileen would be the perfect wife and was she upset because things were not going the right way? she asked herself.

  After dinner, following the others back to the drawing-room, Rayanne felt Cary's hand on her arm and he led her outside to the garden.

  Listen,' he said, the hyenas are out again.'

  She listened. The strange eerie howls made her

  shiver. They reminded her of that first terrifying

  night in the rondavel. Impulsively she turned to him.