"So, Englishman," the big Boer at length exclaimed, when both were
seated, "you were about to bid us goodbye! Surely we have not treated
you so badly."

"I have had the kindest attention," answered Jack, "but, remember,
liberty is dear to every man."

"It is so. Liberty is our birthright, and that is why we fight," the
Boer answered solemnly. Then he remained silent for several minutes and
looked earnestly at Jack. "Why did you not throw me off and make good
your escape?" he asked, with the suspicion of a smile upon his face. "I
am weak still from the wound you gave me, and for that reason am in
hospital here. You could have beaten out my brains with that stool."

"Yes; I might have done that," Jack answered thoughtfully, "but it would
not have helped me. The guard outside would have been roused, and I
should have been taken. Well, it is rough luck, and to-morrow I suppose
I shall be sent off to the race-course."

"Perhaps, Englishman, perhaps!" the Boer answered slowly, and then
lapsed into silence again, and became buried in deep thought.

Suddenly he roused himself and said in a low whisper: "Englishman, I do
not love your countrymen, but I cannot forget that once you helped me
when wounded. You ran the risk of imprisonment so that I might not die
like a poor deserted dog in the bush. It is hard that I should repay
you in this way. It would have been better had I entered this room an
hour later. But I will show my gratitude at all costs. Escape now,
before I change my mind, for in doing this I too shall risk my life.
Escape! Leave me! I will lie upon the floor, and so disarrange the
room that, when my comrades find me there in the morning, they will
think that you have attacked me. Go, Englishman; you deserve a reward
for your noble act!"

Jack was simply astounded, and could scarcely believe his ears. "Was it
true that he was free to escape after all?" he wondered vaguely, "or was
this merely some sly ruse?"

A second later he dismissed the thought as ungrateful, for a glance at
the Boer's face told him that here at least was one man with honest
intentions. Then he wrung his hand, blurted out his thanks, and a
minute later was climbing through the window.

Creeping close to the wall once he had dropped outside, Jack paused for
a few moments and listened. There was a light in a room at the side,
and from the open window sounds of voices proceeded. Stealing along to
it Jack lifted his head