Part 40 (2/2)
He saw at a glance that the Boers had not attempted to hold the natural stronghold, for upon discovering their numbers, the half-troop of lancers, some thirty in number, had begun to retire, and the Boers, of whom there seemed to be about a hundred and fifty, were streaming out in two directions, evidently with the intention of surrounding and taking them prisoners, both sides keeping up a steady fire the while. West stopped no longer than was necessary to satisfy himself that the Boers were getting rapidly farther and farther from the kopje, and then hurried back down the slope to the top of the gully, where, leaning over, he found Ingleborough busy at work, apparently driving his rifle-barrel down into a crevice. ”Ahoy!” cried West. ”Hallo there!
What news, lad?”
”Small party of lancers in full retreat, and the Boers very strong in pursuit. They're a mile away now.”
”Then we shall get no help from our people; but, if they are taking the enemy away, that's all we want. Coming down?”
”Yes,” said West, lowering himself over the edge very cautiously, for it was terribly dangerous work, and Ingleborough s.h.i.+vered and hung back, watching him till his companion reached the ledge where he had been checked.
”Hah!” sighed Ingleborough; ”that's better. I've been wis.h.i.+ng for the last five minutes that the stream below was ten feet deep!”
”Why?” panted West, who was breathless from his exertions.
”For you to fall into! But now help me to get my boot! I'm afraid to lever it out with my rifle-barrel, for fear of bending it.”
”Let me try!” said West, and, thrusting his arm down into the crack, he got well hold of the boot, gave it a jerk sidewise, and it was free.
”Look at that now!” said Ingleborough. ”My word! it's a fine thing to have been born clever. How did you do it?”
”Pulled it out,” replied West, smiling.
”Of course; but _I_ couldn't! It took me all my time to get it unlaced and to draw out my foot. Stuck, for it was so wet!”
In another five minutes, while the cracking of the rifle-fire was growing more distant, the boot was replaced, the dangerous descent continued, with several slips and slides, each saving his friend in turn from a bad fall, and the pair reached the water only minus a little skin, to be welcomed by their ponies, who came up to them at once, ready to be led cautiously to the entrance of the gully.
But there was no need for the extra care, inspection proving that no Boers were left behind, and that they were too far distant now to distinguish what went on at the resting-place they had left.
”Think they'll make the lancers prisoners?” said West, after they had stood scanning the level veldt for some minutes.
”Not unless they can surround them, and I should give our cavalry credit for being too cautious to let them do that!” said Ingleborough. ”Now then, what do you say for another try Mafeking-ward?”
”Forward!” was the reply, and after a glance at the compa.s.s to lay down their course, the friends mounted and, refreshed, though not much rested, they cantered off, making a bee-line almost due north, with the intention of cautiously approaching some farm on their way to purchase food.
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE.
AT TANTE ANN'S.
It was growing dark before a suitable place presented itself, this being a typical Boer farm in a very desolate part of the veldt, the spot having been evidently chosen by its occupants on account of the tiny kopje and abundant supply of water welling out, besides being a perfect spot for the branch of farming the owner carried on, there being pen after pen of ostriches, the great foolish-looking large-eyed birds staring at the two hors.e.m.e.n wonderingly as they approached the door where the owner stood looking distant and glum, as he smoked his big pipe.
Yes, he said, he would sell them some provisions for themselves and corn for their horses if they had money to pay for what they wanted.
This was at once produced, and the farmer looked on after summoning a huge Kaffir to help with the horses and get out the corn; while his fat wife, after coming to the door to glare at the visitors, condescended to put on a kettle to prepare them tea, and see if there was a chicken that could be killed and broiled, and some eggs for frying.
There were several bits of consultation carried on by the husband and wife from time to time, and everything showed that the visitors were far from welcome.
”Never mind,” said Ingleborough; ”all we want is a good meal, and we shall be off in the morning as soon as it is light.”
<script>