r comrade without moving a finger to help him.
You say it was brave of me, then why not let me go on that account!"

"My friend, that would be impossible," the Boer replied kindly. "You
are too weak to stand now, and believe me, you will be much the same for
a week or more. If we left you you would certainly die, for I have seen
enough of wounds, especially of this class, to know that if not
carefully attended to they prove dangerous. We are returning to
Pretoria, and you must accompany us. After all, it will be some
consolation to you to know that the young burgher you saved is an
Englishman by birth. He was commandeered to fight for us, but we all
know that his heart is with his countrymen. Cheer up! He will be a
comrade for you."

Jack remained silent for some time after the Boer doctor had left him,
and was at first inclined to grumble at his luck. Then, as he began to
realise how weak he really was, he saw that to be taken prisoner was
really the best thing that could happen to him.

"After all," he thought, "I shall have a chance of escaping, and I am
sure if I were given my liberty I should die out here in the bush like a
dog. I'm as weak as a rat now, but by the time we reach Pretoria I
ought to be strong again. Then, if I do manage to get away, and I shall
certainly have a try, I ought to be able to carry valuable information
with me. Yes, after all, I am not so badly off, and will make the best
of matters."

About half an hour later the Boer doctor returned, and with the help of
three other men, who treated Jack with the utmost kindness, lifted him
gently and carried him towards the wagon. Day had already dawned, so
that Jack was able to see that another figure lay on a rough bed of rugs
beneath the huge canvas tent which covered the cumbersome vehicle. It
was the young English burgher who had first attacked the lion, and as
they approached the wagon he sat up with a jerk and looked eagerly at
Jack.

He was a broad-shouldered young fellow, with a pleasant, open face, now
somewhat pale from the effects of the injury he had received and from
the pain he suffered. His right arm was suspended in a sling, and there
was a deep scratch across his forehead.

No sooner was Jack laid beside him than his comrade in misfortune leant
across, and, taking up his hand, pressed it warmly and endeavoured to
speak. But he was evidently too much overcome by emotion, and his lips
trembled so much that he look