e started a song, and for two
hours the party kept the town awake. Then they wrapped themselves in
their blankets and all became quiet, and nothing disturbed the silence
save an occasional challenge from a picket as the officer made his
rounds.

The next day was Sunday, and by mutual agreement a day of peace for
Boers and British alike. In the enemy's camp solemn services were held
in the open air, while in solitary little Mafeking all who could flocked
to the church. In the afternoon everyone gathered in the market square
where the band played, and before they parted for the night stood
stiffly at attention, hat in hand, or at the salute, while the National
Anthem was played.

And outside, lying in their cheerless trenches, the Boers heard it, and
forgot to jeer as formerly; for this little town, far away from all
help, with its indomitable commander and plucky garrison, had already
taught them in the space of less than a month more respect for the
British than they had learnt in their whole lives before. They listened
to the strains in silence, and a chill went through many of their
frames, for it was beginning now to dawn upon them that England's day
was still to come; and in their heart of hearts the majority of these
sturdy peasants believed that that day was getting close at hand, and
that when it came they too would acknowledge England as their ruler just
as their forefathers had done years before. It was a bitter thought to
these misguided men, to whom independence was so dear, and damped their
spirits so effectually that they preserved a sullen silence and listened
to the distant strains of the band despondently.

On the following day Jack received a message from one of the officers
who acted for Colonel Baden-Powell, and on entering the bomb-proof fort
in which the latter lived, was asked if he was willing to ride out of
the town again.

"We are naturally anxious to know how Colonel Plumer and the Rhodesian
forces are doing at Tuli," the officer said, "and also whether we can
receive relief from them. Will you undertake to find out, and return
with whatever information you can get? We can supply you with a good
horse, and I have also a map and a compass which will help you on the
way."

Jack jumped at the offer, for it was just the kind of adventurous work
that suited him.

"I will do my best," he answered, "and I think I stand a good chance of
getting through, for I have already prospected up s