n.

Only the middle of August and already the first summer rains are
falling!

Thank God again!

The cruel strain of anxious thought for our heroes in the field can be
relaxed for a moment, and we turn our energies with redoubled vigour
and strengthened faith to the task at our hand. Heaven knows that we
shall require all the courage we possess to face the impending
disasters, of which the shadows have already fallen on our hearts.

* * * * *

One morning the disconcerting news reached Harmony that Mrs. Naude's
house had been surrounded by armed soldiers at break of day and that
she had been taken away with her child, in a waggon, no one knew
where.

The empty house was being closely watched.

Did the enemy really think that the sagacious Captain of the Secret
Service would walk into the trap some fine evening, there to meet with
certain destruction? Evidently, for the house was guarded night and
day.

* * * * *

August 5th brought new sensation and fresh material for thought and
conversation.

There had been a brief lull in the adventures, and all were of opinion
that as long as this spell of vigilance lasted no spies would enter
the town. It therefore came as a surprise when our little friend with
the walking-stick was to be seen coming up the garden path of Harmony,
wearing that air of happy mystery so familiar to his fellow-workers.

The spies had come at last, not the Captain himself, but his
secretary, Mr. Greyling, with two other men named Nel and Els, on an
important and extremely dangerous mission.

They had arrived too late to be brought out to Harmony, but they were
staying with Mrs. Joubert, and, if they were successful in obtaining
the help they required, their intention was to leave again that night.

At this point in the visitor's narrative, Hansie, who had been engaged
in making butter, came in with an expectant look. Mr. Botha motioned
her to draw nearer, and in hurried whispers, although there was no one
in the room but themselves, told them that these men had been sent to
procure a copy of the secret railway time-table, an official book
containing full detailed information of the military trains, provision
and ammunition--trains, in fact, laden with clothing and everything
required by the military. The women looked at one another and smiled
at the audacity of the request. They had never heard of such a
time-table and might