ws, feeling
now sufficiently strong to stand the fatigues of a long journey, decided
to make their long-talked-of attempt at escape.

"Now, the first thing to be settled is which frontier we shall make
for," said Jack, when they were discussing the matter. "The best and
easiest way is to the east, through Komati Poort, into Portuguese
territory, and on to Lorenzo Marques. We could get a steamer there,
sailing from Delagoa Bay to Durban, and so should be able to join the
British troops. The difficulty about the matter is that all trains to
the coast will be closely watched, for there are many Englishmen, like
yourself, endeavouring to slip away."

"Yes, Lorenzo Marques appears to be the best place to aim for," Guy
answered thoughtfully; "but the whole of the frontier is certain to be
strongly patrolled. Supposing it were out of the question for us to
attempt to get through on the east, what direction do you think we ought
to take?"

"I should say that Natal, by way of Harrismith, would be the best, Guy.
I have made the journey once before, and it will have two advantages.
One is, that both the Transvaal and the Orange Free State are
practically deserted; and the second, that such a mad act as the attempt
on the part of an escaping prisoner to cut into Natal, where the Boers
are so strongly posted, would never cross their minds. These burghers
are slim, very slim, but recklessness is a vice they cannot understand.
Their motto is to take due care of themselves, and to attempt to creep
through the enemy's strongest position would mean as much as suicide to
them. If Komati Poort and the eastern coast are too carefully watched I
think we ought to try to reach Natal and get into Ladysmith. The Boers
have failed to take the camp, and from what the doctor here has told me
are likely to be kept outside for an indefinite period."

"But we could never hope to get through as we are," cried Guy.
"Remember, Jack, Harrismith is a long way from here, and we should
certainly be seen by someone."

"Yes, that is probable," answered Jack calmly, puffing thoughtfully at
his pipe, "but we must brazen it out. There are lots of scoundrels,
fellows who got into hot water at home, or who were never fit to be
called Englishmen, who have taken up arms for the Boers. You have told
me so yourself, and that, dressed as we are, we should pass for them.
Very well, that is what we must do. We must pretend we are Englishmen
on the Boer sid