tly as possible, till we come in touch with their
outposts, and then charge and cut our way through them before they have
recovered from their surprise. Now,' he said, `I am open to consider
any better suggestion if either of the senior officers can propose
one.'"

"Did any one make a suggestion?" I asked.

"Of course not. Every one thought the plan splendid," replied Denham.

"Then we're going to try it?" I said.

"We're going to do it," cried my companion warmly; "but I don't like
giving up a rich gold-mine like this now we've found it."

"No," I said thoughtfully; "and, besides the gold, it is such a grand
archaeological discovery."

"Well, yes, I suppose it is," replied Denham; "but I was thinking of the
gold. I say, though, you'll have to sit fast, squire--regularly grow to
your saddle."

"Of course; but I'm afraid we shall leave a lot of our poor fellows
behind."

"Not we," cried Denham warmly. "Our fellows can ride, and there'll be
no firing. The Doppies won't try to shoot for fear of hitting their own
men, as it will be too dark for them to aim for us. Besides, we may
steal through without being discovered."

"Not likely," I said. "They'll be too cunning. Depend upon it, they'll
have vedettes out all along the line."

"Then the vedettes had better look out, for those we meet when we charge
through in column will be in a very awkward position."

"Yes, very," I said thoughtfully.

"The Colonel then said all those not on duty were to lie down and sleep
till they were roused up half-an-hour before the start."

"Oh yes," I said bitterly; "we shall all feel quite ready for and enjoy
a good sleep with a ride like this in prospect."

"Well, why not? I know I shall sleep," said Denham. "So will you. So
here goes."

As he spoke I noticed that the men were lying down in the soft sandy
patches among the stones; and, after seeing to my horse--just as a
matter of course, though there was no need, for Joeboy had gone to his
side--I returned to where I had left Denham, and found him wrapped in
his cloak, fast asleep, and announcing the fact gently to all around in
what sounded like an attempt to purr.

"I may as well lie down," I thought, after seating myself on a block of
stone, and gazing round at the high walls which encompassed us, and at
the bright stars overhead looking down peacefully upon our camp, as if
there were no such thing as war in the world. Then I began thinking
about home aga