near Standerton," he answered, "I
suppose that we shall cross the Vaal by another drift and have to
'veldt' it."

Just then the two Boers woke up and began to talk earnestly together, as
though they were debating something hotly.

Slowly the huge red ball of the sun sank towards the horizon, steeping
the earth and sky in blood. About a hundred yards from where they sat
the little bridle path that branched from the main road crossed the
crest of one of the great landwaves which rolled away in every direction
towards the far horizon. John watched the sun sinking behind it till
something called off his attention for a minute. When he looked up again
there was a figure on horseback, standing quite still upon the crest of
the ridge, and in full glow of the now disappearing sun. It was Frank
Muller. John recognised him in a moment. His horse was halted sideways,
so that even at that distance every line of his features, and even the
trigger-guard of the rifle which rested on his knee, showed distinctly
against the background of smoky red. Nor was that all. Both he and
his horse had the appearance of being absolutely on fire. The effect
produced was so wild and extraordinary that John called his companion's
attention to it. Jess looked and shuddered involuntarily.

"He looks like a devil in hell," she said; "the fire seems to be running
all up and down him."

"Well," said John, "he is certainly a devil, but I am sorry to say
that he has not yet reached his destination. Here he comes, like a
whirlwind."

In another twenty seconds Muller had reined the great black horse on to
his haunches alongside of them, and was smiling sweetly and taking off
his hat.

"You see I have managed to keep my word," he said. "I can tell you that
I had great difficulty in doing so; indeed I was nearly obliged to give
the thing up at the last moment. However, here I am."

"Where are we to outspan to-night?" asked Jess. "At Standerton?"

"No," he said; "I am afraid that is more than I could manage for you,
unless you can persuade the English officers there to surrender. What
I have arranged is, that we should cross the Vaal at a drift I know of
about two hours (twelve miles) from here, and outspan at a farm on
the other side. Do not trouble, I assure you you shall both sleep well
to-night," and he smiled, a somewhat terrifying smile, as Jess thought.

"But how about this drift, Mr. Muller?" said John. "Is it safe? I should
have thought the V