down beside them, for the lads had taught
them to do this at the word of command, as it enabled them often, when
out hunting, to conceal themselves in a slight depression from the sight
of an approaching herd of deer. Thus they, as well as their masters,
remained untouched by the storm of bullets. The Boers almost concealed
from view, steadily picked off the men.

"It is of no use, Tom; let us mount and make a bolt for it. They must
surrender in a few minutes, or not a man will be left alive."

They gave the word to their horses, and these leaped to their feet, and,
as was their habit in the chase, dashed off at full speed the instant
their masters were in the saddle. Bending low on the necks of their
horses, the lads rode at the top of their speed. Several bullets came
very close to them, but keeping closely side by side, to lessen the mark
they presented to the enemy, they dashed on untouched. Looking round,
when they had proceeded some little distance, they saw that four Boers
had mounted and were in hot pursuit. Their horses were good ones, in
capital condition, and had done easy work for the last few days. The
Boers also were well mounted, and for three or four miles the chase
continued, the Dutch from time to time firing; but the lads were a good
four hundred yards ahead, a distance beyond that at which the Boers are
accustomed to shoot, or which their guns will carry with any accuracy.

"We must stop this," Dick said, as they breasted an ascent. "If they
should happen to hit one of our horses, it would be all up with us.
Dismount, Tom, as soon as you are over the rise."

As soon as they were out of sight of their pursuers, they reined up
their horses and dismounted. They again made the animals lie down, and,
throwing themselves behind them, rested their rifles upon them.

The Boers, they had noticed, were not all together--two of them being
about fifty yards ahead of the others. At full speed the leading
pursuers dashed for the rise; as they came fairly in view, they were but
fifty yards distant. The lads and their horses were almost hidden in
the long grass, and the Boers did not for a moment notice them. When
they did, they instantly reined in their horses, but it was too late.

The lads had their rifles fixed upon them, the two shots rang out
together, both the Boers fell lifeless from the saddle, and the Dutch
horses dashed back along the track by which they had come.

The lads instantly re