Meanwhile the prisoners listened calmly to their fate, and Mr Hunter
bowed when the general had finished speaking.

They were then hurried out of the room, and some ten minutes later the
Boers followed them.

The stamp of hoofs and the clanking of stirrups and bits told Jack and
Guy that the Boers were on the point of leaving, and were then having
their horses brought round for them. There was a hoarse command, and
next second the whole party galloped off, leaving the house deserted
save for the two young fellows and Mrs Robb and her infant child.

"Phew! I want some air after that," exclaimed Jack, thrusting the door
open and stepping into the room.

"Yes, it was a pretty tight corner," Guy agreed; "but, Jack, our
difficulties seem to increase the closer we get to Ladysmith. First you
get caught as you climb through the window of the hospital, then Piet
Maartens and his fat German friend try to arrest us, and now we are
pledged to help this poor lady, while my father and your friend are
being hurried away to their death."

"Well, and what of it?" cried Jack. "Look here, Guy. We are not going
back on our word. We will take Mrs Robb and her child safely into
Ladysmith, and before I go there I shall rescue Mr Hunter and your
father. What is to prevent us? The hill must be near by, and at
night-time will have few upon it. You stay here and I will go out in
search of it. It must be the one straight in front of this house, for
that is certainly the nearest to the British camp."

"Nonsense! Stay here indeed!" Guy answered hotly. "If you are ready
to risk your life for a friend, Jack, I am fully prepared to do the same
for my father. I shall come with you. That's agreed, and also that we
help this lady. Now, how is it all to be done?"

"It is already midnight," Jack answered thoughtfully. Then turning to
Mrs Robb he said, "How far is it to this gun hill, Mrs Robb? You have
heard that two prisoners were to be taken there?"

"Yes; I listened outside," Mrs Robb replied. "Just fancy their
thinking of such a brutal act! The hill they are being taken to is two
miles or more away, and from there to Ladysmith is a matter of three
miles. I know the ground well, and could lead you."

"The difficulty is this," continued Jack. "To go to the top of the gun
hill, set the prisoners free, and return here would take such a time
that the day would have dawned before we could get near Ladysmith. If
we make straig