the open veldt, and in the distance a dark indistinct patch which
appeared to be a herd of grazing cattle, but so distant that neither
could be sure.

On their way to the patch of rock and brush that was to be their last
resting-place before making a dash for the beleaguered town, they struck
upon the trail going north and south, and in two places scared off
vultures from the carcass of an unfortunate ox, shrunken and dried in
the sun till little but the bones and hide were left.

They were too distant to make out the smoke, but steadily increasing
fire told plainly enough that they were quite near enough for a dash
into the town when darkness set in that night.

"You think then that this will be the best way?" said West, as they
reached their shelter without seeing a sign of danger.

"I am not sure yet!" replied Ingleborough. "In fact, I'm very doubtful
whether we should not fail, for the place is certain to be surrounded by
the enemy, and we should very likely be ridden or shot down."

Oliver West laid his hand upon the despatch, pressing it so that the
paper crackled beneath the cloth.

"Then we had better ride in as near as we dare, and then try and creep
in at the darkest time."

"Let's pray for the clouds to be thick then!" said Ingleborough; "for
the moon's getting past the first quarter. Last night would have done
exactly."

"But we were not here. Hark at the firing!"

"Yes; it sounds as if Mafeking will be taken before we get there!"

"For goodness' sake don't talk like that!"

"Don't let's talk at all then. Let's get well into shelter. But I see
no sign of water yet."

Neither did the speaker after they had carefully explored the rocky
hillock, but fortunately there was an ample supply of succulent grass
for the ponies, which were soon after luxuriating in a good roll, before
grazing contentedly away, while their riders, after another examination
of the place and glance round from the highest point, had to satisfy
themselves with a very scanty shelter and a much scantier meal.

"Never mind," said Ingleborough; "we shall be breakfasting in luxury
to-morrow morning, I hope, with our appetites sharpened by the knowledge
that we have achieved our task."

"I hope so!" said West gravely.

"But don't doubt, my lad," cried Ingleborough cheerily. "Don't be
downhearted now we are so near!"

"I can't help it!" replied West. "I feel on thorns, and my state of
anxiety will grow worse and worse ti