a thin veil
of cloud shut out the stars; but it was agreed that it was all the
better for the advance. In fact, everything was favourable; for the
British force had week by week grown less demonstrative, contenting
itself with acting on the defensive, and the reconnoitring that had gone
on during the past few days had been thoroughly masked by the attempts
successfully made to carry off a few sheep, this being taken by the
enemy as the real object of the excursions. For the Boers, after their
long investment of Groenfontein and the way in which they had cut off
all communications, were perfectly convinced that the garrison was
rapidly growing weaker, and that as soon as ever their ammunition died
out the prize would fall into their hands like so much ripe fruit.

They were thus lulled as it were into a state of security, which enabled
the little surprise force to reach the place made for without
encountering a single scout. Then, with the men still fresh, a halt was
made where the character of the ground suddenly changed from open,
rolling, bush-sprinkled veldt to a slight ascent dotted with rugged
stones, which afforded excellent cover for a series of rushes if their
approach were discovered before they were close up.

This was about a mile from the little low kopje where the Boers were
laagered; and as soon as the word to halt had been whispered along the
line the men lay down to rest for the two hours settled in the plans
before making their final advance, while the first alarm of the sentries
on guard was to be the signal for the bayonet-charge.

"I don't think we need say any more to the lads," whispered the major as
the officers crept together for a few final words. "They all know that
the striking of a match for a furtive pipe would be fatal to the
expedition."

"Yes," said Captain Roby, "and to a good many of us. But the lads may
be trusted."

"Yes, I believe so," said the major.

"There's one thing I should like to say, though," said Roby. "I've been
thinking about it all the time we've been on the march."

"What is it, Roby?" said the major.--"Can you hear, Edwards--all of
you?"

"Yes--yes," was murmured, for the officers' heads were pretty close
together.

"I've been thinking," said Captain Roby, "that if we divided our force
and attacked on two sides at once, the Boers would believe that we were
in far greater force, and the panic would be the greater."

"Excellent advice," said the major,