whenever they have attacked. And all the while our reinforcements are
pouring into the country. Mark my words, Jack. We've had a troublous
time, and we've lost many gallant lives, and shall lose more yet; but
the tide is on the turn, and soon it will be sweeping in full flood, not
towards the coast, but across the Orange Free State to Pretoria."

"Yes, I feel sure it will all come right in the end," answered Jack,
"and you may be certain of this, when that tide does turn I shall be
somewhere near the front, and on my way to renew my acquaintance with
his honour the President of the Transvaal Republic."

Jack shook hands cordially with Mr Hunter, promised to remember his
messages, and departed to join young Poynter. He found him burning with
impatience, and longing to set out.

Half an hour later they were sauntering across to Intombi Spruit, and
here they remained till darkness fell. Then they set out as if to
return to Ladysmith, for there was no saying that a spy might not be
watching them, and, slipping amongst a pile of boulders, they waited for
some moments to make sure that they were not followed. Ten minutes
later they had cut across to the left, and were tramping silently over
the veldt in the direction of Nelthorpe. For two hours they kept on
steadily, Jack carefully selecting a path which took them clear of
boulders and rocky ground. Then suddenly, as they climbed to the summit
of a long incline, they came in sight of an extended line of fires
flickering in front of them, and stretching on either hand as far as
they could see.

"The road is over to our left," whispered Jack, "and our best plan will
be to cut down to it boldly, and endeavour to slip through the lines.
We shall have to be very cautious, for there must be sentries posted."

After another glance at the twinkling dots of fire, Jack and his friend
pushed forward, but with renewed caution, and nearly an hour later
struck the main wagon-road leading through Nelthorpe and Pieters to
Colenso. Then, walking along on the turf which skirted the beaten
track, they slowly approached the lines in which the Boers were camped.
Soon a large collection of tents away on their left attracted their
attention, while the nickering embers now and again showed up a solitary
canvas shelter, or a tented wagon, in which no doubt those of the
burghers who were not on duty were asleep.

Suddenly the clatter of hoofs sounded behind them, and a few moments
late