f course you know that B.-P. turned up
here some weeks ago, and started at once to enlist a colonial mounted
corps. There wasn't much difficulty about it either, for we knew
something about him, and rushed to put in our names. Then old Kruger
despatched his ultimatum, and we sent most of our women and children
south with Nesbit, who, as I dare say you have already heard, was
captured on the return journey. By October 14th we were surrounded, but
B.-P. didn't let the grass grow much before he was at them. For
instance, on the 13th he sent out a couple of trucks of dynamite, which
were a positive danger to us in the town. They were attached to an
engine, and backed a mile or more up the line. The Boers spotted them,
and galloped forward when they saw the engine uncouple and steam back
without them. I suppose they thought they were armoured trucks filled
with men, and when they were within close range blazed away at them.
There was a terrific explosion, and it is reported that a hundred were
killed. Then on the 14th we made a sortie and drew our friends into an
ambush, in which they suffered still more heavily.

"Since that time there has not been much doing, though I expect we shall
beat them again soon. A few days ago they started bombarding us at a
range of two and a half miles with three Krupp guns, but now they have
got some heavier metal about five miles away, and the shells are by no
means pleasant. Still, we have come off well up to this. Now,
Somerton, the fellows will not be back for half an hour, so give me some
of the outside news."

Jack told him all he knew about Glencoe and the campaign in Natal, and
wound up with his ride to Kimberley and on to Mafeking.

"'Pon my word, I believe you have seen more of the war than anyone!"
exclaimed his friend enviously. "But I suppose I ought not to grumble.
Here we are, volunteers, and a detachment of the Munster Fusiliers, and
townsmen, about 1200 all told, and if things turn out as is expected we
shall have precious tough work to hold the place against the enemy."

"From what you have told me of B.-P. I have no doubt you will see plenty
of fighting before the siege is over," answered Jack. "For my part,
this despatch work is more fascinating than any. It gives one a
splendid outdoor life, with plenty of adventure, and the dangers are not
really more than those you incur here. You never know when these shells
may drop on your head, so that, however care