Chapter 24 Summary

The lieutenant, unable to endure the torment any longer, speaks to Vorster and asks him what the matter is. At first, he believes his worst fears confirmed, but is relieved to discover that the boy owes twenty pounds, money that Vorster does not have, to a store in Johannesburg. He gives the boy a check for the amount, he himself, feeling relieved at this great mercy.

His brief consolation gives way once more to fear when, walking home for lunch, Herman Geyer again turns away from his gate at the sight of Pieter, and goes inside his house. As before, Pieter takes his lunch indoors. Back at the office, Japie brings news of Stephanie, telling Pieter that she is working well, however Tante Sophie has apparently asked Japie to have her taken away from Venterspan. They speak of Japie's burgeoning relationship with an...