n, and at the sight he almost gave a cry of joy. In a moment he was
close to it, and was on the point of rushing through when a strong arm
clutched him by the collar, while the cold muzzle of a weapon was thrust
into his ear.

It was a terrible shock, and set Jack's heart throbbing fiercely. But
he had the presence of mind to keep perfectly still, for that cold touch
at his ear told him better than so many words that the slightest
movement would mean his certain death.

A moment later someone else had grasped him on the other side, and he
was marched back into the vault, and dragged before Oom Schalk and his
companions.

"What is the matter?" the Boer demanded, placing his lantern close to
Jack's face, and scrutinising his features closely. "Why, he is not one
of ours! He is a spy!"

"I cannot say who he is or how he came here, Oom," the man who had
captured Jack replied; "but as I stood by the door with Van Zyl and
watched you as you walked along the trucks, I suddenly caught sight of
someone creeping across the vault. His head passed between me and your
lantern, and I saw at once that he was not one of you. So we waited
here silently in the dark, and caught him as he was about to run through
the door."

"Who are you, boy?" Oom Schalk demanded fiercely, staring at Jack's
face.

"He's English. He's one of the hated Uitlanders!" shouted Piet
Maartens, recognising Jack at this moment. "His name is Somerton, and I
tell you, Oom, young though he is, he is as much our enemy as any. He
is a spy, and has been sent by Hunter, or probably by the British
consul, to watch our movements, so that news may be sent to the English
Government."

"A spy, a spy!" shrieked Hans, his fat face becoming livid with fear and
rage. "He has seen all, and will betray us, this hated Englishman!
Shoot him, Oom, shoot him! No one will know."

"I am not a spy, and I came here because I could not help myself," Jack
answered defiantly. "I was late for the train at Newcastle, and only
just managed to climb on one of these trucks. Before I could get back
to the carnages they were gone, and I was being carried down here.
Then, when I found none of my own countrymen with you I naturally tried
to get away without being seen."

"And you were not sent by anyone to spy on us?" asked Oom Schalk a
little less sternly. "Answer me truly, for if you tell me a lie, as
there is a heaven above I will shoot you, so that no one shall ever know