r with the well-known rattle of a Maxim, and
almost instantly the Boers who were attacking them called anxiously to
one another, and, leaping to their feet, rushed in the direction of the
sounds at their fastest pace.

"Thank God, lads!" exclaimed Frank Russel earnestly. "It was a close
shave, but He saw us safely through it."

"Amen!" muttered Jack and Wilfred in husky voices, while Eileen threw
herself in her father's arms and embraced him affectionately.

"There's no time to be lost," Jack cried out hurriedly. "Wilfred, give
me a hand with the ponies. Frank, you take Eileen outside and wait in
front."

Hastening to the kitchen, they searched about for the ponies, but found
to their grief and disappointment that all had been killed.

"Well, it cannot be helped," said Jack. "Come along, Wilfred. Let us
get out of this."

Picking their way across the tumbled beams and roof, they were soon out
in the garden, and, waiting for a moment to make sure that no one was
about, they hurried off across the veldt, leaving the sounds of the
conflict on their right. It was an adventurous escape, and more than
once they were on the point of discovery. But they had the fortune to
pass by the few Boers who were still hurrying up to help their comrades,
and two hours later they approached a huge bank of debris and earth
which had been removed from the mines, and which formed one of the
outlying positions of the garrison.

"Halt, who goes there!" was shouted. Then the dazzling beams of a
search-light played upon their faces, and the same voice cried out in
delighted tones, "Hooray, boys, it's our friends right enough!"

Such a welcome the soldiers gave them. On every side they pressed
forward to shake them by the hand, till the officer in charge of the
works advanced and rescued them from the enthusiastic "Tommies."

"We're awfully glad to see you safe in our lines," he exclaimed
heartily. "Come into my tent and have some tea. We thought you would
probably strike over for this spot, and so I had everything prepared.
When you've had some refreshment I'll pass you on to the
commanding-officer. He has got quarters ready for you."

Jack thanked the officer for his thoughtful kindness, and all four
having partaken of a much-needed cup of tea, they prepared to walk
across to the centre of the town. On their arrival there, the electric
light was once more switched upon them, and every man who could be
spared, and was not