will act as a lubricant. Now let me begin."

Taking each leg in turn, he smeared the skin with fat and rubbed it
gently, Riley declaring that he already felt some improvement by the
treatment, and begging Jack to repeat it later.

Now and again during the day Jack climbed to his lookout post again to
see that no one was approaching, and during the afternoon both enjoyed
three hours' refreshing sleep.

When night fell Riley was almost able to support his weight on his legs,
so rapidly were the effects of the snake-bite disappearing, and once
Jack had hoisted him into the saddle he was able to retain his position
there unaided.

"Now, old horse," he said cheerily, "I am at your service. We are both
of us bound for Roberts's camp with despatches, and since I am more or
less of a cripple and do not know the country, I place myself in your
hands."

"Then we'll push ahead at once," answered Jack. "Sing out if you are
feeling knocked up, and be ready to be lifted off your saddle and lie
down at any moment. The country a few miles south of this is full of
Boers, who are always on the look-out for despatch-carriers."

Taking the pony by the bridle, Jack stepped forward over the short grass
of the veldt, and kept steadily on, hour after hour. Once or twice he
listened eagerly, fancying he heard sounds, but on each occasion it was
a false alarm, and after a moment's pause he took the road again.

By midnight they were abreast of Kimberley, and two hours later, after
making a wide detour, they caught sight of the twinkling fires in the
British camp.

"Now we'll have to be extra cautious," whispered Jack. "If we are
challenged by a Boer, leave the answering to me."

"All right, Somerton!" Riley answered. Then suddenly pulling Jack by
the coat, he exclaimed: "Hush! What is that? Look over there!"

Jack looked in the direction indicated, and caught sight of a dusky
figure some thirty yards away. Instantly he let go of the bridle and
unslung his rifle.

"Who goes there?" came a loud hail at this moment.

"Friend!" shouted Jack.

"Where from? Answer quickly, or I fire!"

"From Mafeking, with despatches," Jack replied unsuspectingly.

"Advance, friend, and give the countersign!" the sentry now called out;
and as soon as Jack and Riley had approached within ten yards he
shouted, "Halt! Lay down your arms at once--you are prisoners!"

"Trapped, by Jove!" shouted Jack, snatching at his rifle; but before he