ge of dynamite in the breech."

A few moments later a lantern was produced, and, followed by Jack and
Guy, the officer looked closely at the breeches of the guns. At first
there was nothing to be seen. But a close inspection revealed a thin
piece of wire attached to the handle of the breech, passing from there
into the inside of the weapon.

"Don't open it, whatever you do," cried Jack in a warning voice. "It is
a regular trap for the gunners, and the opening of the breech would fire
the charge inside. Snip the wires, and then you will be able to learn
all about it."

A wire nipper was now produced, and the piece attached to the handle
having been cautiously snipped, the breech was opened and disclosed a
charge of gun-cotton inside arranged so that the mere opening of the
handle would pull the wire and explode the charge, and so destroy the
gun immediately.

"Ah, I told you there was a plot on hand!" exclaimed Jack with
satisfaction. "They know that we have guns here, and they sent those
spies in to arrange matters, so that when the rush comes and they attack
the hill, we should be left without a single weapon to fire at them as
they cross the ground below. Well, I fancy we shall be able to open
their eyes. It's getting on for midnight now, and we can expect them
very soon."

"Right you are, Somerton," the officer replied. "There's no mistake
about it. They are going to have a real good try to take us, and,
thanks to you, we shall be ready for them. I'll go off and report the
matter, and meanwhile I'll have all the guns loaded with shrapnel. By
the way, what are you going to do?"

"Oh, Guy and I will give a hand, if we may!" answered Jack.

"My dear chap, every man of us will be wanted, and the more we can get
the better. Come into my trench, if you like. It's certain to be a hot
corner, being so close to the guns."

Jack and his friend eagerly accepted the invitation, and accompanied the
officer back to the trench. Here they were joined by Mr Hunter, and a
few minutes after his arrival some Highlanders and Riflemen put in an
appearance. Then all lay down, while the gunners trained their weapons
upon the flats below, and loaded them with shrapnel. Outposts were
doubled, and every man waited in dead silence for the assault, prepared
to hurl back the attacking Boers at the point of the bayonet.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

THE GRAND ASSAULT.

For almost three complete months had the Boers surroun