riest hours they had ever passed
went slowly by, with everything quite still in the laager; and at last
West, who was lying on his back, side by side with his companion,
whispered: "They're not going on patrol to-night. We must creep out and
escape on foot."

"Without knowing the way through the entrance among the rocks, and with
dozens of sentries about? Can't be done!"

"Pst!" whispered West, for his quick hearing had detected the approach
of someone, and directly after a light was flashed in under the tilt, a
little whispering followed after the dull rays were shut off, and once
more there was silence.

The pair lay a good five minutes without attempting to move or speak,
and then West whispered:

"Two sentries."

"No: one and Fathead."

"How do you know? I daren't look, for fear they should see the gleam of
my eyes."

"I could smell him."

"Scented--out here?"

"Yes; I believe he'd put some scent on his handkerchief and some pomatum
on his hair even if he were going to be shot."

"Hist! Listen," said West quickly; "they're on the stir."

Ingleborough started up, for a voice was heard giving an order, and it
was as if a stick had suddenly been thrust into a beehive and stirred
round.

"Right!" said Ingleborough, in a low tone. "Now's our time! Take a
long deep breath, and let's make the plunge. It will be all right if
you keep close to me!"

West instinctively drew a long breath without thinking of his
companion's advice, for it was to him like a reflection of old boyish
days when he summoned up his courage to take a plunge into deep water
while wanting faith in his powers as a swimmer. But it was only the
making of the plunge.

Following Ingleborough, he dropped off the end of the wagon, boldly led
him to the rifles, and together in the darkness they slipped on the
bandoliers, two each, crossbelt-fashion, slung their rifles behind, put
on their broad felt hats well down over their eyes, and then, imitating
the Boer's heavy slouching walk, they hurried on through the laager in
the direction of the horses.

It was, if possible, darker than ever, and they passed several Boers,
quite half of whom were leading horses, and one of them startled and
encouraged them by growling out in Dutch: "Now then--look sharp, my
lads!"

"We will!" whispered Ingleborough, as soon as they had passed on; "but
oh, if the ponies are gone!"

In another minute they knew that they were still safely tethered as t