even using his left hand, so
little pain did his wound give him.

"Now tell me all about it, Jack Somerton," he said, puffing big clouds
of smoke into the air with the greatest satisfaction.

As soon as the brutal action of the Boer spy and his friends had been
narrated, and followed by a description of their flight, Frank Russel
sprang to his feet and shook Jack and Wilfred heartily by the hand.

"My lads," he said in a husky, trembling voice, "you've won the deep
gratitude of old Frank Russel. I'd sooner see every Boer in Africa dead
than hear that one of them had ill-treated my darling child. Ah! she's
all I have left since the wife went to her home above, and a good,
dutiful, and loving girl she is! Come here, Eileen dear, and kiss your
father. You've had a close shave, and but for these brave Englishmen
that brute would have murdered you. And Tim, too, has proved a faithful
boy. Well, he shall not regret it, for from this day he shall never
have a fear for his old age. I will give him sufficient to ensure his
independence.

"But now we have other things to think about. Kimberley is closely
besieged, and though we are only five miles away we are surrounded by
hosts of Boers. They will be back here soon, and then it will be all up
with us."

"Why not ride off at once?" asked Wilfred. "There are four of the Boer
ponies outside, and Jack and I have our own."

"It would be useless," replied Frank Russel, with a vigorous shake of
his head. "Those fellows have already warned the whole district, and by
this time we are closely surrounded. Look away over there. That small
light is their signal, and it is flashing a message in the darkness
which every Boer can read. No, I fear it is all up with us. I'm sorry,
lads; you two would have got in safely if you hadn't come along in this
direction and helped us in our trouble. If there was a chance of your
succeeding now, I'd say go at once and leave us. But there isn't, not
the slightest, and it's only fair to say so."

"We must make the best of matters as they are," remarked Jack coolly.
"A week ago I was in a fix which was every bit as awkward. I'm not
going to be shot or taken prisoner yet awhile if I can help it, and if
you all feel the same I propose we make a fight for it."

"Ah, I'd fight if I had a chance!" growled Frank Russel. "But it's no
use here. They would be a hundred to one against us."

"Wait a minute, Mr Russel," exclaimed Wilfred, w