side the door of the house. "I waited for you here, and now
that you have come we will both go in. My business is the same as
yours, and I believe I may say I am about the luckiest beggar in the
camp to be chosen for this job."

"Why, what is the job?" Jack asked in some surprise. "Oh, you'll hear
all about that in a moment, old chap!" laughed the officer, whose name
was Poynter. "Come along in; they're waiting for us."

A second later Jack was ushered into a large room, with wide-open
windows, through which he could see the helmet and bayonet of a sentry
who was marching up and down just out of ear-shot. In the middle was a
table, on which were many large plans of Ladysmith and the
neighbourhood, while behind it, seated in cane chairs, and in their
shirtsleeves, for the heat was oppressive, were three more officers of
the staff.

"Good-day, Somerton!" said the central one, evidently the senior. "Sit
down there for a moment while I just finish this matter, and then we
will have a chat."

Jack shook hands with all of them, for he had met them many times
before, and then he and Poynter took their seats on a long form close to
the window, and waited while the officer finished a document upon which
he was engaged.

"Now," he said at last, throwing down his pen, "I am ready. We want you
to do something for us, Somerton, and we have sent for you particularly,
because the matter is one of some delicacy and of great consequence.
Shortly put, it is this. It is of vital importance that certain facts
and plans shall be conveyed to General Buller at Chieveley. Of course
we could employ one of our native runners, but they are not to be relied
upon in every case, and as this matter is of the utmost importance we
have decided to send Poynter and another. Will you be that other, my
lad? We have all heard about your despatch-carrying over at Kimberley
and at Mafeking; and here, too, we have learnt something about you. I
am sure you could get through the enemy's lines if anyone could, and
could guide Poynter. What do you say about it?"

"Just what I'd like, sir!" exclaimed Jack, springing to his feet in his
excitement. "I was on the point of volunteering my services as a
despatch-carrier when your orderly galloped up. I'll undertake the
matter with pleasure, and will do my best to steer Poynter clear with
me."

"That's good, Somerton," answered the officer with satisfaction, "but it
is just the answer I expected