ide away and be hunted for days by black fellows."

"Where are you going?"

"To get in that sheep while we can. Perhaps to-morrow they'll be driven
farther away."

Norman nodded, and looked hard at his brother, for he could not help
admiring his sturdy courage.

"We're going now, father," cried Rifle.

"Well, take care. Creep along by the fence, keeping it between you and
the scrub there. Get round the sheep, and drive all before you till
they are close in here. Then pounce upon two and hold on. We'll come
and help you."

The task looked risky, for the sheep were a couple of hundred yards
away, and it was felt that the blacks were in the scrub. But they had
not shown themselves, and might be a sleep, or so far away that the bold
dash made by the boys would be unseen. But all the same the captain and
Uncle Jack covered their advance, ready with loaded guns to protect the
boys should the blacks make any sign.

The arrangement seemed to be unnecessary, for the two lads, carrying
their pieces at the trail, reached the fence, under whose cover they
went out quite a hundred yards. Then halting and carefully scanning the
nearest patch of scrub, they rose and walked fast, partly away from the
sheep, so as to be well beyond them before they turned to their left,
got behind, and drove them gently toward the house.

All this had to be done slowly and deliberately so as not to startle the
flock, but, as Rifle said, it was ticklish work.

"Yes. I expect to see black heads starting up every moment," whispered
Norman. "Now then, we're far enough. Quickly and steadily. Come
along."

The boys bore round to their left so as to be between the sheep and the
open country, and the outsiders of the flock began to move before them
without taking alarm, stopping to munch a bit of grass now and then, and
causing others to move in turn; till, as the boys walked on, they at
last had their backs to the scrub and the sheep going steadily toward
the house.

"Wasn't so difficult after all," said Rifle, quietly. "Couldn't we pen
three or four? Why is father signalling?"

"Hi! look out!" shouted Norman, for he had seen his father waving one
hand excitedly; and casting an eye back there were twenty or thirty
spear-armed savages just darting out of the scrub, and running swiftly
in pursuit.

The sight of the enemy made the boys start forward at once; the sheep
began to trot, then increased their pace as the boys ran faster,