aptains. "Why, we might capture some of
their ammunition too," he added.

"Yes, sir. They've got pack-mules with their small-arms ammunition; and
with a bit of scheming and a night surprise it might be done," said the
Sergeant. "And there's another thing I had my eyes on to-day."

"What's that, Briggs?" said the Major.

"A train of bullocks, sir; and if one of you gentlemen can shoot the
train with a field-glass just before sunset to-morrow night, if we're
here, and give me half-a-dozen men and that black chap as come along
with young Mr Moray, I shouldn't wonder if we had grilled steak for
supper just by way of a change."

"Why, Sergeant," cried the Major, "if you're not our adjutant before
this war's over it shan't be my fault."

"Thank ye, sir," said Briggs stolidly; "but I should like to get the
beef for the boys and a load of mealies for the horses before we talk
about that. And now, if you wouldn't mind, I'll have a couple of hours'
sleep."

I felt for a few minutes so much brightened up that I was ready to go
off too; but the thoughts of poor Denham lying out dead or wounded
somewhere on the veldt kept me awake, and I was in greater pain than
ever from the blow I had received. And there I lay in my misery till
about midnight, when there was an alarm from the sentries of horsemen
approaching, and I sprang to my feet.

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.

"IL FAUT MANGER."

I felt dizzy, and every movement was painful when I arose. The air was
so cold that I was half-numbed; and in addition to my bruised side I
ached from the tightness of my belts, and my sword-hilt and revolver
seemed to have made great dents into my flesh. However, with an effort
I lifted my rifle, which had been my bedfellow on the sandy earth, and
hurriedly joined the others in making good the defence of the great
gateway, with its newly-made protecting screen of stones.

There was no desperate encounter, however, to send the blood rushing
through our veins; for, as we reached the entrance, we heard the men on
duty removing stones while they carried on a desultory conversation with
the new arrivals; and directly afterwards a thrill of joy ran through
me, and a curious choking sensation rose in my throat, for somewhere in
front where it was darkest I heard the Major say:

"That's grand news, Denham--thirty of you, and forty horses?"

Then his voice was drowned in the loud, spontaneous cheer which rose
from those about me, in which at