de on for what seemed to me another mile, and still one moment
seemed as good as another. I was ready to despair. Then the time came.
The Boer at my side, having slung his cocked rifle over his shoulder,
fumbled in the darkness for something. Guessing what my companion was
about to do, with a slight pressure of my right leg I made Sandho edge
gradually closer. I was quite right. He took out a big Dutch pipe and
a pouch, proceeding to fill the bowl and press down the tobacco; and as
he worked so did I. Edging Sandho nearer and nearer, with my heart
beginning to beat with big, heavy throbs, I withdrew my left foot from
the stirrup, lowered it down in front of the loosely-hanging rein, and,
as soon as that was level with my ankle, twisted my foot again and
again, till the rein was three times round. Then I felt the drag upon
the Boer's saddle-bow, just as the man was getting a light; and at that
moment my leg came in contact with his so suddenly that it jerked him,
and the match he had struck went out.

"Thunder and lightning!" he growled, kicking out to drive Sandho farther
away, but missing him, for I had just thrust my toe back into the
stirrup-iron and was pressing my horse away.

The next minute scratch went another match, the bright light shining out
for a moment between us so that I could see the man's face plainly as he
held the burning splint between his hands on a level with his chin.
Then it was out again, for with a loud, shrill cry I was urging Sandho
to make his great effort--one which, as I have said, meant either
freedom--if the escape of one bound as I was could be so regarded--or
the horse galloping away and leaving me to be trampled under foot.

"_Ri_--_ri_--_ri_--_ri_--_ri_--_ri_!" I half-shrieked, and Sandho made
a tremendous bound. There was a jerk at my left leg which nearly
dragged me from the saddle, and then we were off and away, the horse
tearing over the level plain out into the darkness; while close behind,
after a momentary pause, I heard the trampling of horses and the
high-pitched voice of the Irish leader yelling out orders. Then flash
after flash cut the darkness, and _crack, crack, crack_ came the reports
of the rifles, as the men fired in what they believed to be my
direction; but I heard no whistling bullet, and the firing ceased as
quickly as it had begun, for there was the risk of my pursuers
inflicting injury upon their fellows who led, and whom I could hear
thundering al