tart as the cart stopped. "I have had such a bad dream! I dreamt that I
was travelling through life, and that suddenly everything stopped, and I
was dead."

"I don't wonder at it," laughed John; "the road for the last ten miles
has been as rough as anybody's life. We are at the hotel. Here are the
boys to take the horses," and he clambered stiffly out of the cart and
helped or rather lifted her down, for she was almost too cramped to
move.

Standing at the inn-door, holding a light above her head, they found a
pleasant-looking Englishwoman, who welcomed them heartily.

"Frank Muller was here three hours ago, and told me to expect you," she
said; "and very glad I am to see an English face again, I can tell you.
My name is Gooch. Tell me, is my husband all right in Pretoria? He went
up there with his waggon just before the siege began, and I have not
heard a word from him since."

"Yes," said John, "he is all right. He was slightly wounded in the
shoulder a month ago, but he has quite recovered."

"Oh, thank God!" said the poor woman, beginning to cry; "those devils
told me that he was dead--to torment me, I suppose. Come in, miss: there
is some hot supper ready when you have washed your hands. The boys will
see to the horses."

Accordingly they entered, and were made as happy as a good supper,
a hearty welcome, and comfortable beds could make people in their
condition.

In the early morning one of their estimable escort sent in a message
to say that they were not to start before half-past ten, as the horses
required more rest, so they enjoyed some hours longer in bed than they
had expected, and anybody who has ever made a journey in a post-cart
in South Africa can understand the blessing thereof. At nine they
breakfasted, and as the clock struck half-past ten Mouti brought the
cart round, and with it came the two Boers.

"Well, Mrs. Gooch," said John, "what do we owe you?"

"Nothing, Captain Niel, nothing. If you only knew what a weight you have
taken off my mind! Besides, we are quite ruined; the Boers have looted
all my husband's cattle and horses, and until last week six of them were
quartered on me without paying a farthing, so it makes no odds to me."

"Never mind, Mrs. Gooch," said John cheerfully, "the Government will
compensate you when this business is over, no doubt."

Mrs. Gooch shook her head prophetically. "Never a halfpenny do I expect
to see," she said. "If only I can get my husband back, and