wilderness of stones; and here, pretty well hidden,
but quite open to discovery by a wandering party of Boers at any time,
we sat down to wait, listening to the steady _crop, crop_, as Sandho
calmly set to work to improve the occasion on grass.

As far as I could make out, the sentry we had seen was about a fifth of
a mile distant; but in all probability there were others perched up on
the lookout in various points of vantage high on either side of the
pass; while those below, I felt sure now, would be in strong force,
fulfilling the double duty of preventing English settlers from passing
out of the country save as the Boers pleased, and defending the place.

"All Boer," he said, pointing in various directions. "Can't go. Wait."

"Yes," I said; "we must wait till it is dark."

"Boss Val wait. Sandho eat and rest," he said. "Boss lie down."

"No," I replied. "I must sit here and watch. You lie down now."

"Boss Val lie down," said the black, shaking his head. "Boer see um."

"Well, they'll see you," I said.

"Um!" he replied, with a nod. "Only black man. See Boss Val; come and
catch um."

It was my turn to nod now, for his meaning was plain. If the Boers saw
me, my chances of escape were gone; while if by ill-luck they caught
night of him, the probability was that they would not trouble themselves
about a solitary Kaffir.

"You are right, Joeboy," I said. "I'll keep hidden till it grows dark."

"Um!" he said softly; "get dark. Then not see Boss Val. Joeboy go and
look how many."

I was about to oppose this part of his plan, but upon second thoughts I
did not, but selected a better spot for my hiding-place by creeping
among the stones towards where Sandho was grazing, so as to keep him
well under my observation for fear he should stray too far, and not be
within reach should danger arise. There he was, in a snug nook where
the grass grew thickly consequent upon there being suggestions of a
trickling spring. The spot was well surrounded, too, by stones, which
on three sides fenced him in, and between two of these, and with a
larger one to form a support for my back, I settled myself as
comfortably as I could, for my leg was still very painful and my arms
ached terribly. In fact, I was so weary now the time for action was
over that I was quite content to subside, and sit leaning back watching
the black while he crawled on hands and knees to Sandho, who suddenly
raised his head with a start at Jo