nvisible. Then we could do nothing but wait for orders, no one
believing that any attack would be made by our mounted enemy. However,
about an hour after it was quite dark an alarm was suddenly given; but
every man was on the alert, and the entrances to our fort were doubly
strengthened. For there was the sound of shouts and horses thundering
over the plain towards the fort; and at last the order was given to
fire, a sharp fusillade ringing out in the horsemen's direction. It had
its effect, for the enemy turned and galloped away, the sounds of their
retreat rapidly dying out; and all seemed quiet till one of the
defenders of the gap in the wall challenged, with the customary "Halt!
or I fire!"

"Um!" cried a familiar voice. "Don't shoot. On'y Joeboy. Want Boss
Val."

CHAPTER NINETEEN.

BATHING IN HOT WATER.

"Why, Joeboy," I cried excitedly, "how in the world did you manage to
get here?"

"Um! Walk very fas'. Then crawly till Doppies hear and shoot. Then
run very, very fas'. Water: Joeboy thirsty."

The faithful fellow had followed the troop as soon as he returned from
his mission; and as he afterwards told me, with a broad smile upon his
face, he tracked us by following the Boers.

"Joeboy know they try to ketch sojers," he said. Soon after this, the
Boers having withdrawn to their former position, as was carefully tested
by the scouts sent out, the Colonel and the officers held a little
council of war, at which Denham was present. And then the Colonel
announced his plans to this effect: He had made up his mind it was
impossible to hold the ruined fortress without provisions, though he
would have much liked to keep it as a base from which to make a series
of attacks upon the enemy. It was perhaps possible to get help; butt
this was doubtful, for the General's hands were very full. Then, by
sending out several messengers with a despatch, one of them would be
sure to reach headquarters; but, even if he did, the reply would
probably be to the effect that it would be madness to despatch a
detachment of infantry right out into the veldt at a time when the force
at disposal was so very small. So the Light Horse must make a dash to
extricate themselves from their awkward position. These, Denham said,
were the details of the Colonel's plan.

"`That's how matters stand,' said the Colonel in conclusion, `and I
propose starting about two hours before daylight, going due east in
column, and as quie