engthened
their position, waiting for us to attack them. This could only be done
at the risk of terrible loss and disaster, for the Boers were so
numerous that any attempt to cut through them might only result in our
small force being surrounded and overwhelmed by sheer weight of numbers.
Therefore our Colonel decided not to make an attack.

"The Colonel says they're ten to one, Val; and as we've plenty of water
and provisions, he will leave all `acting on the aggressive' to the
Doppies."

This remark was made by my companion Denham when we had been in
possession of the old fortress for nearly a fortnight.

At first, while still suffering a little from the injuries I had
received, the confinement was depressing; but as I gradually recovered
from my wrenches and bruises, and as there was so much to do, and we
were so often called upon to be ready for the enemy, the days and nights
passed not unpleasantly. Discipline was strictly enforced, and
everything was carried out in the most orderly way. Horses and cattle
were watered and sent out to graze in charge of escorts, and a troop was
drawn up beyond the walls, ready to dash out should the Boers attempt to
cut them off; guard was regularly mounted; and the men were set to build
stone walls and roofs in parts of the old place, to give protection from
the cold nights and the rain that might fall at any time.

As for the men, they were as jolly as the proverbial sandboys; and at
night the walls echoed with song and chorus. Then games were contrived,
some played by the light of the fires and others outside the walls.
Bats, balls, and stumps were made for cricket; of course very roughly
fashioned, but they afforded as much amusement as if they had come
straight from one of the best English makers.

There was, however, a monotony about our food-supply, and the officers
more than once banteringly asked me when I was going to cut out another
half-dozen wagons.

"Bring more variety next time," they said merrily. "Pick out one loaded
with tea, coffee, sugar, and butter."

"Yes," cried Denham, laughing; "and when you are about it, bring us some
pots and kettles and potatoes. We can eat the big ones; and, as we seem
to be settled here for the rest of our days, we're going to start a
garden and plant the little 'taters in that."

"To be sure," said another officer; "and I say, young fellow, mind and
choose one of the next teams with some milch-cows in it. I feel as if I