lowest figure at which sugar could be sold in order to leave a
good margin of profit for his employer.

But there was really no need for the cutting down of prices. A store in
such a populous town was a valuable property, and Mr Hunter's had a
reputation which ensured the various departments brisk business all day
long. All who patronised it seemed to be in a prosperous way, and
indeed only grumbled that all their energies and business prospects were
smothered by the continual opposition and stupid action of President
Kruger and the Boers.

To say that Jack enjoyed the life he was now leading was to describe his
feelings rightly. He took the deepest interest in his work, and after
his hours in the shop were done, generally went for a gallop with one or
more of the many young fellows he knew. Christmas came and went, and by
the early months of the New-Year, the eventful and never-to-be-forgotten
year of 1899, he was quite himself again, a rosy-cheeked and
manly-looking young fellow whom everyone but Piet Maartens and his Boer
sympathisers liked.

So well did Jack's life agree with him that he was within an ace of
deciding to forego his commission in the army and remain for good in
Africa. But Mr Hunter dissuaded him.

"You are too young to settle down as yet," he said. "And besides, it
was your father's wish that you should follow his footsteps and enter
the army. Of course we should prefer you to stay, but under the
circumstances I hope you will return and go up for that examination.
Later on, perhaps, when you have knocked about the world a little more,
you may wish to resign your commission, and then if you join us here all
the better! You will be older and more ready to settle down, and your
family ties in England are not likely to prevent your emigrating if you
wish to do so."

Jack recognised the wisdom of doing as Mr Hunter suggested, and
accordingly made all preparations to leave Africa in the following
August.

But the old proverb that "Man proposes and God disposes" was exemplified
in his case. Events proved too strong for him, and he remained in the
country, shoulder to shoulder with his English friends, to face the
storm of passion which was soon to burst over their heads, and to take
his part in the bitter struggle which was to be fought out between the
Boers and their allies, and the sons of our mighty empire.

CHAPTER FOUR.

A STARTLING ADVENTURE.

"Jack, how would you like to car