s much as I do. Now
let us go in."

Eileen obeyed, feeling glad that she had at last thanked her preserver.
She had met Jack many times, and had come to know that he was a plucky,
good-looking young Englishman. That he had taken her thanks so
brusquely did not jar her feelings. She understood him, and knew that
though he did not show it he was really gratified. Therefore, taking
his arm again, she returned to the dancing-room, and five minutes later
she was watching her stalwart hero waltzing round, with a light in her
dark eyes which, had he seen it, would have set his heart beating. But
Jack had other matters to think about, and on the following morning
approached Tom Salter on the matter.

"I came up here to act as a despatch-rider," he said, "and I want you to
help me. I know the country all round as well as anyone, and ought to
be able to get through. Whom ought I to apply to?"

"No need to apply to anyone," answered Tom. "I saw one of the officers
last night, and told him all about you. News came in three days ago
from the south, and you also brought information when you came. What we
want to know is how Mafeking is getting on, and I expect you will be
asked to ride in that direction. It will be ticklish work, my boy, but
it seems to me that you are specially suited for it, for you have
already ridden more than once in the enemy's country. Come with me now
to head-quarters and I will send in your name."

Jack followed him through the town, and a few minutes later was shown
into the commanding-officer's rooms. Here he was cordially greeted, and
before anything was said about the ride to Mafeking he was urged to tell
the officers present all about the defence of Mr Russel's house. Then
he was asked whether he was willing to ride to the north with
despatches.

Jack answered that he was, and promised to be ready to set out that
evening.

"Very well," said one of the officers, "we will have the despatches
ready for you. Come here at dusk and you will find a good horse waiting
to carry you. Above all, do not let anyone know that you are to start.
There are spies everywhere."

Jack promised to observe this precaution, and without even dropping so
much as a hint to Wilfred, who joined him a few minutes later, walked
all round the defences of the town.

Late in the afternoon he filled his bandolier, saw that the magazines of
his rifle and pistol were prepared, and then walked into the room where