st word in a sharp
military way, the second with a catching gasp, and he fell over
sidewise. Fortunately I was close upon his left and caught him in my
arms, which were none too strong or ready for such a task; but I managed
to hold him tightly clasped round the chest as his horse moved off and
his legs sank to the ground. A couple of the men drew rein and
dismounted directly to come to my help, they taking him from my arms to
lay him upon the stony ground.

"Fainted," I said, dismounting painfully. "Who has a water-bottle?"

One was produced directly, and I was busily bathing the poor fellow's
face and trying to trickle a little water between his lips, when we
became painfully aware of the fact that we had moved out from cover, for
_spat, spat, spat_, three bullets struck stones near us, making it
evident that we were well in view, and that the Boers were making
targets of the different members of the group. This was remedied
directly; but in spite of the shaking he received in being moved to the
rear of the biggest stone, Denham did not open his eyes, but lay there
perfectly insensible; while, to add to our difficulties, one of our men,
who had retaken their places in cover, to be ready to reply to the fire
if a favourable opportunity presented itself, announced that the enemy
was steadily advancing down the pass, and evidently with the intention
of clearing it of the party of cavalry which had entered between its
barren walls.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN.

REALITIES OF WAR.

I glanced round at the little group of men, every face wearing the same
serious aspect; then I lowered my eyes to continue my task of trying to
restore Denham to his senses, while the moments glided by, and many
shots were fired at our position; yet there was no change in the
officer's condition.

"He isn't dead--is he?" said one of the troopers. "Dead? No!" I cried
angrily; but even as I spoke a chill of horror ran through me, for the
utterly inanimate state of my new friend suggested that the shock of the
blow might have been fatal.

"But he doesn't seem to have a spark of life in him, poor chap!"

"He'll recover soon," I said as firmly as I could, and determined to put
the best face upon the matter.

"But we can't wait for `soon,'" cried another man impatiently. "In less
than a quarter of an hour the Doppers will be down upon us, and then
it's either a bullet apiece or prisoners."

"We must carry him down to where the Colonel is