Part 68 (1/2)

I was unable to speak then, but held out my hand quickly to Denham, who seized it in both of his, and his lips parted as if to say good-bye, yet no words were uttered. The next moment he let my hand drop and turned his eyes away, for the big Boer who had become so familiar now climbed into the wagon, glanced at us, and then reached down outside for two large pannikins of hot coffee, which he carefully lifted inside.

”Here,” he said gruffly; ”help to keep up your spirits.”

He set the tins beside us, then went to the back of the wagon and reached down again for a couple of large, newly-baked cakes, which he handed to us.

”The Irish captain didn't give any orders,” he said; ”but we don't starve our prisoners to death.”

With that he scowled at us in turn, and left the wagon.

”Toll me what he said, Val,” whispered Denham in a tone of voice which sounded very strange.

With difficulty I repeated in English what the man had said; I felt as if choking.

”I wish they hadn't done this, Val,” said Denham after a minute's interval. ”It seems like a mockery.”

I nodded, then remarked, ”That man seems to have some feeling in him.”

”Yes; but we can't eat and drink now.”

”No,” I replied. ”I feel as if food would choke me.”

Denham nodded, and sat gazing out at the bright suns.h.i.+ne.

”Think it would give us a little Dutch courage if we had some breakfast?”

”I don't want any,” I said desperately. ”I want them to put us out of our misery before that wretch Moriarty comes back.”

”But we want to face them like men,” said Denham suddenly. ”We're so weak and faint now that we shall be ready to drop. Let's eat and drink, and we will show the Boers that English soldiers are ready to lace anything.”

”I can't,” I replied desperately.

”You must,” cried Denham. ”Como on.” He took up his pannikin, raised it to his lips, and took a long deep draught before setting the vessel down and taking up the cake.

”Come, Val,” he said firmly, ”if you leave yours the Boers will think you are too much frightened to eat.”

”So I am,” I said gravely, ”It is very awful to face death like this.”

”Yes; but it would be more awful if we stood before the enemy trembling and ready to drop.”

I nodded now. Then catching up the tin in desperation, I raised it to my lips and held it there till it was half-empty. Setting the pannikin down, I took up the cake, broke a piece off, and began to eat. The animal faculties act independently of the mental, I suppose; so, as I sat there thinking of our home and our approaching fate, I went on eating slowly, without once glancing at my companion, till the big cake was finished; then I raised and drained the pannikin.

It was while I was swallowing the last mouthful or two that Denham spoke in a low tone. Looking in his direction, I noticed that he had also finished the rough breakfast.

”They're watching us, Val,” he said softly.

I glanced round to back and front, and saw that the big Boer and four others were looking in, the sight making the blood flush to my face.

Directly after the big fellow climbed in, to stand by us with a grim smile.

”Have some more?” he asked.