It was a remarkable
scene. In all directions were huge mounds of debris removed from the
diamond mines, and these, with the help of ample native labour, had been
converted into fortresses, while outside all was an entanglement of
barbed wire completely surrounding the town. From their elevated
position they could look down on every post, and to Jack, who had been
in the town many times before, and indeed to anyone, it was most strange
to see the townsmen and regulars manning the defences or scouting
outside, while down below them 10,000 natives laboured in the huge
compound, delving for the diamonds which after all might fall into the
Boers hands.

"Just shows what we think of those fellows," laughed Tom Salter, jerking
his thumb in the direction of the Boer laagers. "They have been round
us since the 14th of this month, and they've done nothing but look on
all the time. If we were in their places I expect we should just make
one big rush to take the town; but your Boer hates that kind of work,
and so is content to look on while guns are coming from Pretoria. Then,
I expect, they will make us jump a little."

"How many men have you here?" asked Jack.

"About 3000 all told," answered Tom. "We are under the command of
Colonel Kekewich, and Cecil Rhodes is here to keep us company. A good
number of our force are colonial troopers and volunteers, but we have
the 1st Battalion of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment here, besides a
few gunners and engineers. I can tell you, my boy, we shall be a pretty
tough lot to conquer. Why, only a few days ago we made a sortie towards
Macfarlane's Farm in the north, and bagged a number of the Boers,
including Commandant Botha. We had 3 killed and 21 wounded--not a great
loss when you consider the work we did. It was grand fun, and I've no
doubt, now that Cronje has given Mafeking up as hopeless and come down
here, we shall give them another taste. Now tell me all the outside
news. How did you get across to Johnny's Burg, and what have you been
doing since? Last night you spoke of Glencoe and Ladysmith. 'Pon my
word, Jack, you are just like the proverbial bad penny. You seem to
turn up all over the place."

Jack laughed heartily at Tom Salter's remark, and then proceeded to tell
him about his adventures since leaving Kimberley. Then Tom in turn told
him all that had happened during his absence.

It seemed that Kimberley was by no means unprepared. Both Government
a