over.

"Haven't got one."

"But haven't you got a revolver?"

"Devil a bit of a revolver. Look here, though, I've got a pipe,"
producing that comforting implement. "Give us a fill."

This was soon done. Then Darrell, whom the situation struck in its
wholly comic light, laid his head back and roared.

"You fellows must have swept this side quite clear of Kaffirs--patrolled
it within an inch of its life, I suppose--that you can afford to ride
about the veldt in dead war-time unarmed?" he said.

The other looked up quickly; an idea seemed to strike him.

"No; now you mention it, this is just the very side that hasn't been
much looked after. Let's off-saddle. I want to get to Cathcart before
dark."

"See there now, Musgrave," said Darrell. "Here you have a type of the
species of lunatic this country can produce. At least, I can't imagine
any other turning out a man who might be met with four hours from the
Main Camp in a country swarming with hostile Gaikas, armed with nothing
but a whip."

"And a pipe," laughed the stranger. "You've forgotten the pipe."

"Well, counting the pipe even. What do you say, Musgrave? Do you know
any other part of the world where they manufacture such lunatics?"

"I never heard of any," said Roden gravely.

The jolly stranger laughed, enjoying these comments as the best possible
of jokes. They had off-saddled together, and were foregathering after
the manner of casually met campaigners. Roden had a very substantial
flask which was not half emptied yet, and this was drawn upon for the
occasion. Their new acquaintance gave the other two all the latest
information. There had been a good deal of patrolling, and taking of
stock, and hustling the rebel Gaikas, but just lately not much in the
killing line. The Gaikas were rather fighting shy of coming to close
quarters, and when run too hard, would retreat across the Kei into
Kreli's country only to swarm back again when the coast was clear.

Thus they chatted until it became time to saddle up. But just as the
last strap was buckled there rang out the sharp crackle of dropping
shots. It came from about half a mile lower down the kloof.

"Hallo!" cried the stranger. "My fellows are having a row with
somebody."

"Your fellows? I thought you were alone," said Darrell.

"Pooh! they don't count. Only four chaps going back to their billets.
They've been volunteering and don't like it, so they're going back.
Store-clerk