as not mounted. I have arranged with Colonel
Mopesson, of the Light Horse, for a mounted patrol to be sent in
pursuit, and since it is desirable for some one to identify the Hun--it
sounds like counting our chickens before they are hatched, by the
bye--I propose that you accompany the Rhodesians."

"Yes, sir," replied the subaltern.

"Very good. You have half an hour to make preparations," resumed the
C.O. "Take a batman with you--a man who can ride well. You will
rejoin your battalion at Kossa in three days' time, circumstances
permitting."

Wilmshurst saluted and withdrew to make his brief preparations. Having
given Tari Barl instructions to pack his kit the subaltern sent for
Sergeant Bela Moshi.

"Find me a man who can ride well," he said.

A broad grin overspread the Haussa non-com.'s face.

"No go for look, sah," he replied. "Me know one time quick. Good man;
him ride like de wind."

"Then bring him here," continued Wilmshurst.

"Him here, sah--me, Bela Moshi."

"I didn't know that you could ride," remarked the subaltern dubiously,
fancying that Bela Moshi in his desire to accompany him was inventing a
fairy tale concerning his equestrian abilities.

"Me one-time groom in Freetown, sah," declared Bela Moshi. "Me lib for
ride any old hoss till him bust."

"I'll try you," announced Wilmshurst. "If you are wasting my time look
out for squalls."

At the lines where the horses were picketed the Haussa picked out a
powerful-looking brute--a "salted" Cape horse which had shown
considerable temper at previous times.

Vaulting upon the animal Bela Moshi rode it barebacked, urging it at a
gallop and finishing by taking a formidable obstacle in the shape of a
cactus-bush.

"How can do, sah?" he asked.

"Good enough," replied Wilmshurst. "Cut off and pack your kit. We
have only ten minutes."

Well within the time specified the Haussa was ready for the trek, his
kit consisting of a blanket, rifle and ammunition, a haversack and his
cooking utensils. In addition he carried his master's water-filter and
a light waterproof tent weighing together with the socketed poles a
little over two pounds.

"Good luck, old man!" exclaimed Spofforth, as his brother subaltern
rode off to join the patrol. "Kindest regards to MacGregor when you
meet him. Tell him how awfully delighted all of us will be to see him."

Wilmshurst's new comrades were all men of the Rhodesian farmer type,
well set-up, sturdy, in