word I would gain admittance, and there would wait for Laputa
and Henriques. Then, if my luck held, I should see the inner workings
of the mystery which had puzzled me ever since the Kirkcaple shore. No
doubt I should be roughly treated, tied up prisoner, and carried with
the army when the march began. But till Inanda's Kraal my life was
safe, and before that came the ford of the Letaba. Colin would carry
my message to Arcoll, and at the Drift the tables would be turned on
Laputa's men.

Looking back in cold blood, it seems the craziest chain of accidents to
count on for preservation. A dozen possibilities might have shattered
any link of it. The password might be wrong, or I might never get the
length of those who knew it. The men in the cave might butcher me out
of hand, or Laputa might think my behaviour a sufficient warrant for
the breach of the solemnest vow. Colin might never get to
Blaauwildebeestefontein, Laputa might change his route of march, or
Arcoll's men might fail to hold the Drift. Indeed, the other day at
Portincross I was so overcome by the recollection of the perils I had
dared and God's goodness towards me that I built a new hall for the
parish kirk as a token of gratitude.

Fortunately for mankind the brain in a life of action turns more to the
matter in hand than to conjuring up the chances of the future.
Certainly it was in no discomfort of mind that I swung along the
moonlit path to the north. Truth to tell, I was almost happy. The
first honours in the game had fallen to me. I knew more about Laputa
than any man living save Henriques; I had my finger on the central
pulse of the rebellion. There was hid treasure ahead of me--a great
necklace of rubies, Henriques had said. Nay, there must be more, I
argued. This cave of the Rooirand was the headquarters of the rising,
and there must be stored their funds--diamonds, and the gold they had
been bartered for. I believe that every man has deep in his soul a
passion for treasure-hunting, which will often drive a coward into
prodigies of valour. I lusted for that treasure of jewels and gold.
Once I had been high-minded, and thought of my duty to my country, but
in that night ride I fear that what I thought of was my duty to enrich
David Crawfurd. One other purpose simmered in my head. I was devoured
with wrath against Henriques. Indeed, I think that was the strongest
motive for my escapade, for even before I heard Laputa tell of the vows