Master of the Game

In Chapter Six, Jamie returns to Klipdrift in style, depositing one hundred thousand pounds in the local bank. No one recognizes Jamie because his hair has turned white because of his ordeal and the beating left his face scarred. Jamie tells everyone his name is Ian Travis. Van der Merwe hears about the deposit Jamie made at the bank and immediately sets out to befriend him. Van der Merwe invites Jamie to dinner and tells him about some investments he might be interested in making. Jamie implies interest in Van der Merwe's suggestions, but does not commit. Jamie also begins asking Margaret, Van der Merwe's daughter, to take him on tours of the town. Van der Merwe would not normally allow this because it is improper for a young, unmarried woman to spend time alone with a man, but does allow it because of Jamie's potential financial windfall toward Van der Merwe. Jamie easily seduces Margaret, and before long they become intimate. Jamie also approaches the bartender who led him into Van der Merwe's trap twice and tells him the truth about who he is. Jamie then tells the bartender that he will pay double what Van der Merwe pays to stake needy prospectors.