and knew that I was bitten I was terrified, and could not collect my
thoughts. Then I tried to remember what others had done under similar
circumstances. I recollected that a knife and gunpowder were necessary,
and I started to do something at once. With my knife I cut away the
flesh round the red mark left by the snake's fang, but I hadn't the
strength to break open a cartridge. Then I remembered that large doses
of spirit were used, and having a bottle of hollands with me, I drank it
down till my throat was almost scalded. After that I don't recollect
what happened. I suppose I must have become unconscious and delirious.
When I came to again it was daylight; but I tumbled off into a heavy
stupor, and on awaking found that another day had commenced. I was
parched with thirst, but could not move a step, for my legs are
paralysed from the hips. Thank God you have turned up, old chap! Give
me another drink, like a good fellow."

"What is to be done now?" asked Jack, as soon as the helpless Riley had
satisfied his thirst. "I am bearing despatches to Lord Roberts, and
must push on. Can you come with me?"

"Yes, if you lend me your pony," replied Riley. "Mine must have strayed
away."

"Very well. You shall ride the pony, and I will walk," Jack answered
readily. "We'll start to-night, and with a little luck ought to reach
the camp by daylight."

Taking the helpless Riley on his back, Jack carried him into a shady
spot, and placed him on the grass beneath the overhanging branches of a
large and solitary broad-leaved tree. Then mounting a kopje, and
assuring himself that the surrounding country was clear of Boers, he
collected a pile of dried grass and twigs, and set fire to it with his
flint and steel. In his haversack he carried a piece of horseflesh,
which had been given him ready cooked at Mafeking, and this he cut into
slices and toasted over the flames. The meal was a welcome one to the
poor fellow, who had so nearly lost his life alone on the desolate
veldt.

"Thanks, Somerton, old man!" he said, looking gratefully at Jack. "But
for you I expect all would have been up with me by now. Another day
under this broiling sun, without water and food, would have killed me.
I feel lots better already, and almost fancy the strength is returning
to my legs. Do you know, I believe a little rubbing would do them
good."

"Then I'll set to work at once," Jack exclaimed cheerfully. "A bit of
this horse-fat