a bit when the bullets
began to fly. I can tell you this is one of the warmest jobs to be
found, as you can see for yourself, and I've known fellows who were good
at a sortie, and always did their fair share in a fight, who couldn't
stand this kind of work. It's too cold-blooded for them. Let them get
their monkey up and they are fit for any job; but to lie down here in
the open, and never know when a shell may knock you to pieces, is too
trying for them. Somerton, you're a perfect wonder. Just fancy your
arriving in time to save that girl! She was an old friend of yours,
wasn't she? Dear me, can I congratulate you, old chap? Any
engagement?"

"Oh, humbug; of course not!" Jack exclaimed warmly, flushing up to the
roots of his hair. "Both Eileen Russel and I are far too young to be
thinking of marriage; besides, I've only met her a few times. What rot
you talk, Francis! Look out, there's a Boer showing up over there!"

Jack got quite wrathful, and, taking up his rifle, fired at the man who
had just appeared, and had the satisfaction of seeing him go limping
away.

That appeased him, and he once more chatted in a friendly manner with
Francis. But in spite of himself, Eileen's pretty face would appear
before him in fancy as he lay there puffing at his pipe, and he could
not help wondering with some anxiety how she was, and whether a safe
place had been found for her in Kimberley, where she would be out of
harm's way.

That night, when they slipped back within the defences, they received
quite an ovation, and Jack was compelled to repeat the story of his
adventures. In return for doing so he was offered the very last bottle
of beer to be obtained in the town.

"You're a plucky young beggar," exclaimed one of the garrison, "and as a
mark of our appreciation we offer you this. Take it at once and drink
it, or else the others will repent and want it back. We've run clean
out of beer, worse luck, for in this hot weather something else besides
water is wanted. And a fellow begins to long for a change, too,
especially when he's been used to taking it. Why, only two days ago one
of the officers who was at school with me happened to pass, and I
offered him one of our precious bottles. He nearly fainted, it was such
a treat, for the poor beggars are worse off than ourselves in that
respect."

Jack laughed heartily at the anecdote, and, pouring out the beer, drank
to the health of all present. Then someon