Her determination was as crushing as the cruel
necessity that dictated it. What was more, his own reason and sense of
honour approved it, whatever his passion might prompt to the contrary.
As he turned wearily to finish saddling the horses, with Jess he almost
regretted that they had not both been drowned.

Of course the only saddles that they had were those belonging to the
dead Boers, which was very awkward for a lady. Luckily for herself,
however, from constant practice, Jess could ride almost as well as
though she had been trained to the ring, and was even capable of
balancing herself without a pommel on a man's saddle, having often and
often ridden round the farm in that fashion. So soon as the horses were
ready she astonished John by clambering into the saddle of the older and
steadier animal, placing her foot in the stirrup-strap and announcing
that she was ready to start.

"You had better ride some other way," said John. "It isn't usual, I
know, but you will tumble off so."

"You shall see," she said with a cold little laugh, putting the horse
into a canter as she spoke. John followed her on the other horse,
and noticed with amazement that she sat as straight and steady on her
slippery seat as though she were on a hunting saddle, keeping herself
from falling by an instinctive balancing of the body which was very
curious to notice. When they were well on to the plain they halted to
consider their route, and, turning, Jess pointed to the long lines of
vultures descending to feast on their would-be murderers. If they went
down the river it would lead them to Standerton, and there they would be
safe if they could slip into the town, which was garrisoned by English.
But then, as they had gathered from the conversation of their escort,
Standerton was closely invested by the Boers, and to try and pass
through their lines was more than they dared to do. It was true that
they still had the pass signed by the Boer general, but after what had
occurred not unnaturally they were somewhat sceptical about the value of
a pass, and certainly most unwilling to put its efficacy to the proof.
So after due consideration they determined to avoid Standerton and ride
in the opposite direction till they found a practicable ford of the
Vaal. Fortunately, they both of them had a very good idea of the lay
of the land; and, in addition to this, John possessed a small compass,
fastened to his watch-chain, which would enable him to steer a