hands; but the depression was only momentary, being chased away
by a wild feeling of excitement as I thought I had misjudged the gallant
lads of the Light Horse. For as soon as they had pulled themselves
together, under command of their remaining officers, and had discovered
the loss of their chief, in response to our Major's orders they drew
rein and divided into two squadrons, which swung round into line, with a
short distance between them, and gallantly charged down upon our
pursuers.

They were none too soon. I remember feeling a strange choking sensation
as, with a wild cheer, they swept round us, and, sword in hand, rode
over and cut down those of the enemy who stopped to face them, the
majority taking flight. Then our men came thundering back, seeming to
sweep us up and carry us along with them, while the Boers in our rear
and on both sides began to fire at our hurrying troopers.

I was nearly breathless, and must have dropped but for the Colonel's
strong grasp; and I was curiously giddy till I heard his voice just
above me give the word for the men to halt. His orders were echoed by
the troop-leaders, who and the racing retreat was checked.

"Bring one of those horses here for me," shouted the Colonel; and I now
noticed that just ahead were half-a-dozen of the brave beasts whose
saddles had been emptied but had kept their places in retreat, charge,
and retreat again.

"That's right," cried the Colonel as he released my belt, so that I
stood, hardly able to keep my feet as, with swimming eyes, I saw him
stagger forward and mount the fresh charger, though evidently
experiencing great suffering.

"Now then, my lad--Moray--what's your name?--mount."

His words seemed to galvanise and bring me back to a knowledge of my
position, while Sandho helped to rouse me by turning and coming close
up.

I hardly know how I did it, but I managed to climb into the saddle, and
from that moment, as we cantered away together, with the bullets
whizzing after us, the terrible burning sensation of exhaustion from
which I suffered began to die out, and the throbbing of my brain
steadied down.

"What are we going to do now, Denham?" I said at last, as, gazing
straight ahead, I leaned over a little towards the left.

"Eh? Denham?" said a voice. "I'm not--"

"Ah!" I cried excitedly; "don't, say the Lieutenant's down!"

"Well, I won't if you don't want me to," said the private at my side;
"but he is, and pretty well ha