.

"Bit of a row, sir, between the two despatch-riders and this prisoner,
sir," replied the sergeant. "Prisoner charges these two gentlemen with
assaulting him. Says he's a Boer!"

The new-comer, who had four officers in attendance upon him during what
was apparently a tour of inspection of the camp, turned sharply on the
two friends.

"I cannot have the prisoners ill-treated," he said. "Why is this?"

"Because he is not a Boer, sir," said Ingleborough sharply. "This man
was in the company's office with us at Kimberley. He is little better
than a thief, or worse, for he is a receiver of stolen goods, an
Englishman, an illicit buyer of diamonds, and a renegade who gave
information to and deserted to the Boers."

"That will do," said the General. "Half of your charges would condemn
him. Sergeant, see that this prisoner is carefully guarded. He will be
tried later on. I am too busy to attend to such matters now."

Anson gave vent to a gasp, after listening to the general's orders for
his safe custody.

But, though he was listening to the orders given, his eyes were
otherwise employed. They were half-closed, but fixed intently upon
West, and they did not quit his face till the sergeant clapped him on
the shoulder, saying: "Now, Mr Piet Retif, this way!"

Then he started violently, and was marched off to be placed with certain
of the prisoners who were the most carefully guarded.

"Did you notice anything in particular just before Anson was led off?"
said Ingleborough.

"No. Poor wretch. I'm sorry for him!"

"Keep your sorrow for a more worthy object, my lad, and mind and give
that fellow a wide berth if ever he gets his liberty again."

"Which he will, of course."

"Well, perhaps so, for the Company can't give the diamond-buyer all they
would like! But when he does get free, you be careful!"

"Why, what harm can he do me?"

"Can't say," said Ingleborough abruptly; "but something or another ill
you may take it for granted he will do. I've been watching his face,
and read what it means! Of course, he doesn't like me, for I've been
fighting against him all along; but somehow he seems to hate you, and,
mark my words, he'll try his best to do you a mischief! He gives you
the credit of being the cause of all this trouble!"

"But I've not been!" said West.

"No; I've done the scoundrel ten times the mischief that you have, for I
disliked him from the very first day we met. He was too oily for