id his companion impatiently.

"I was thinking," was the reply.

"Well, you might say something," continued Ingleborough, in an ill-used
tone. "It would be more lively if you only gave a grunt."

"Humph!"

It was as near an imitation as the utterer could give, and Ingleborough
laughed.

"Thanks," he said. "That's a little more cheering. I've been thinking,
too, that if we make this detour to the west we shall get into some
rougher country, where we can lie up among the rocks of some kopje when
it gets broad daylight."

"And not go on during the day?"

"Certainly not; for two reasons: our horses could not keep on without
rest, and we should certainly be seen by the Boers who are crowding over
the Vaal." West was silent again.

"Hang it all!" cried Ingleborough. "Not so much as a grunt now! Look
here, can you propose a better plan?"

"I don't know about better, but I was thinking quite differently from
you."

"Let's have your way then."

"Perhaps you had better not. You have had some experience in your rides
out on excursions with Mr Norton, and I daresay your plan is a better
one than mine."

"I don't know," said Ingleborough shortly. "Let's hear yours."

"But--"

"Let's--hear--yours," cried the other imperatively, and his voice
sounded so harsh that West felt annoyed, and he began:

"Well, I thought of doing what you propose at first."

"Naturally: it seems the likeliest way."

"But after turning it over in my mind it seemed to me that the Boers
would all be hurrying across the border and scouring our country,
looking in all directions as they descended towards Kimberley."

"Yes, that's right enough. But go on; don't hesitate. It's your
expedition, and I'm only second."

"So I thought that we should have a far better chance and be less likely
to meet with interruption if we kept on the east side of the Vaal till
it turned eastward, and then, if we could get across, go on north
through the enemy's country."

"Invade the Transvaal with an army consisting of one officer and one
man?"

"There!" cried West pettishly. "I felt sure that you would ridicule my
plans."

"Then you were all wrong, lad," cried Ingleborough warmly, "for, so far
from ridiculing your plans, I think them capital. There's success in
them from the very cheek of the idea--I beg your pardon: I ought to say
audacity. Why, of course, if we can only keep clear of the wandering
commandos--and I think we can if we trav