r
for many years, and she shall be safe with my mother."

"Don't trust him, Jack," whispered Eileen, who had crept close up
against the window, where she looked through one of the rifle apertures
and listened intently to all that was said. "I know him well. He is an
Africander, and a British subject. His farm lies ten miles to the
north, and Father will tell you why he is anxious for me to be given
over to his care."

"Yes, it's true," growled Frank Russel, joining in at this moment. "He
is a rebel, and not to be trusted. He's been pestering round here for
many a day, and asking Eileen to become his wife. But she hates the
sight of him, and for my part, though I've no doubt he's smitten with
her, it's this farm and the fat acres attached to it he is more
interested in obtaining. Don't trust him, Jack; send him about his
business!"

"And what if we refuse these liberal terms of your commandant?" Jack
asked coolly. "How will he guarantee all he promises? Words are not
sufficient. Let him put it in writing, and we will consider it; but
understand, we will not accept captivity, nor will we give up Miss
Russel. As to Frank Russel, you did not find him here, and how can we
have done so?"

"Surely the word of Elof Visser is sufficient!" exclaimed the Boer.
"You have heard the terms, and they are the only ones I have to propose.
We will give you half an hour to discuss them, and then, if the white
flag is not waving from this window, we shall open fire. Only, if you
should foolishly still decide to resist us, I ask you to pass out the
girl. We do not wish to war with her sex. Hand her over to me, and I
swear, by the God who made us all, that she shall be safe from harm."

"We will consider your proposal," answered Jack, "and if you do not see
the flag at the termination of the time you mention, you are free to
fire on us again. But I warn you we are well prepared, and you would do
far better to leave us alone."

"Tush, boy, don't lecture me!" exclaimed the Boer angrily. "Discuss the
terms, and if you refuse, we will knock this house about your heads like
a pack of cards, and shoot every one of you."

Giving an impatient jerk at his reins, he pulled his animal round and
cantered away.

"Well, what answer shall we give?" asked Jack, turning to his
companions.

"What answer!" retorted Frank Russel grimly. "Lads, if you're ready and
willing to stand by me and my child, as I believe you are, I say let u