have
come in of my own accord, because I heard--no matter how--that Colvin
was to be shot instead of me. So I came back as quickly as I could, and
seem to be only just in time."

"Is that true, brother De la Rey?" said Schoeman.

Stephanus assured them it was. Frank had joined him entirely of his own
accord.

"You were to have been shot at sunrise yesterday morning, and it is past
sunrise this morning," went on Schoeman, turning to Frank. "It is you
or the man yonder. Are you prepared to undergo our judgment on you?"

"Why, of course," answered Frank bravely. "I am not going to allow
Colvin to die in my place. Englishmen don't do that sort of thing."

"Guard him," said Schoeman. "In ten minutes, be ready."

CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

THE FALLING OF THE SCALES.

At the end of the prescribed time Frank Wenlock was marched before the
Commandant. His demeanour was very different now to what it had been
upon the last occasion. All the swagger and aggressiveness had
disappeared. His manner was quiet without subserviency.

Schoeman read him a long lecture upon his former shameful conduct and
the magnanimity of the burghers of the Republics. Did he wish to
apologise for his behaviour and the insulting references he had made to
the President?

"Certainly, Mynheer Commandant," replied Frank. "I'm a rough and ready
harum-scarum sort of a chap, and I must have said some rather beastly
things about people you all think a lot of. Well, I am sorry."

"That is good," said Schoeman. "Mynheer De la Rey has been pleading for
you, and some others who have known you at home. Their esteemed words,
and remembering that you are little more than a foolish boy, and the
only son of your widowed mother, have decided us to spare the life which
you had forfeited. But there are two courses, one of which we must
exact from you--to be sent to Bloemfontein as an ordinary prisoner of
war, or to pledge yourself not to serve against the Republics or those
in arms on their behalf. In which case you may go free. Which do you
choose?"

Frank's face clouded a moment, wherein is a paradox. A moment ago he
was expecting immediate death--now he was disappointed because denied
the opportunity of meeting it every day or so.

"Choose your freedom, man," said Stephanus kindly. "Remember you have a
mother to take care of."

"Very well. I will give you the pledge, Mynheer Commandant," Frank
answered. "But of course you will not have C