down the other side till the veldt was reached; then on
and on, over an endless, brownish waste of sand and barren earth, here
and there relieved by a bright patch of vivid green, where the young
spring grass had made its appearance.

"Here is a note for you, Mr Somerton," said the staff-officer as the
train came in sight of the Modder camp. "Take it to the quartermaster
who looks after the general staff, and he will give you a tent and
bedding, and also obtain a good pony for you. When you have settled
down come over to the general's quarters. You know, Lord Roberts is
here. He arrived last night, and sent special orders to me by telegram
to introduce you to him. Goodbye for the present! I shall see you in
an hour's time."

Thanking him for his kindness, Jack made his way into the camp as soon
as the train drew up at the rough platform that had been built, and
after making enquiries, was shown where the quartermaster was to be
found. Half an hour later his tent was pitched close behind those
allotted to Lord Roberts's staff.

"You want a pony too, I see," said the quartermaster. "Well, Mr
Somerton, a number of them arrived only this morning, and are now being
taken out of the train. I will speak to the officer in charge of
remounts and transport animals, and if you will come back later on I
have no doubt you will be able to choose your animal from amongst three
or four hundred."

Accordingly Jack retraced his steps, and shortly afterwards walked
across to the little farmhouse in which the celebrated general had taken
up his quarters. When he emerged from the commander-in-chief's sanctum
an hour later, Jack was not only delighted with the kindness and
urbanity of Lord Roberts, but had mastered all the particulars which he
was to carry into Kimberley.

Then he went across to the remount-camp and selected a likely-looking
pony. That night he on-saddled, and without a word to anyone slipped
out of the camp, taking care to avoid the notice of the British
sentries. This was in accordance with the general's wishes, which had
been communicated to him only an hour before by his friend the
staff-officer.

"Look here, Somerton," the latter had said, "the general has just sent
me across to tell you that he wants you to get away from the camp
without anyone knowing. There is never any saying whether or not spies
are about I firmly believe they are everywhere; and the news you are to
take into Kimberley is so im