Scrooge rescues the Boer and befriends him, not knowing that he was sent into the veld by diamond miners he was trying to steal from. Scrooge happily accepts his new friend's offer to keep watch when they camp for the night, but when he wakes up, his wagon, horse, and gear have all been stolen, and he has been left alone surrounded by wild animals.
Scrooge's encounter highlights a conflict between kindness and greed. He chooses to befriend the Boer despite knowing he is being used by diamond miners. This leads to his misfortune when he loses everything and is left vulnerable.