require an army of more than 100,000 to
break through them and relieve us, and that even then the job would not
be accomplished without frightful loss of life.

"I believe we shall have to wait. Buller and his forces will keep the
enemy busy while another army is massing in Cape Colony ready to invade
the Orange Free State. That would probably lead to the relief of
Kimberley and Mafeking, and possibly Ladysmith. But to get the army in
motion and prepare the commissariat is a gigantic undertaking, and will
require weeks yet. There will not be another assault here, at least not
for many a long day to come, as we have just given the burghers such a
smashing, but elsewhere there will be lots of fun. They tell me that
despatch-riders are being asked for, and I shall send in my name and
risk it. It would be fine to feel that one had been able to creep
through to Chieveley in spite of all those Boers."

"By Jove, Jack," Guy exclaimed, raising himself upon his elbows and
flushing with excitement, "you are the most adventurous beggar I have
ever come across! First of all, you have excitement sufficient to suit
most fellows for a year up there at Talana Hill; then you fight your way
through to Kimberley and Mafeking; and finally, through sheer daring and
pluck, save me from that beast of a lion. Then, of course, it was
mainly through you that we rescued Father and Mr Hunter, not to mention
that poor little woman whose husband had been commandeered. No wonder
the camp is ringing with your name. By now I expect the news of Piet
Maartens and the spies, and the manner in which you checkmated them, has
been heliographed across to Buller's signallers, and I dare say London
is reading the news, and every man in England rejoicing over it as he
drinks his breakfast coffee. Well, old man, go on a little further.
Many of our countrymen will make a name before this war is over, but if
Jack Somerton doesn't top the list--well--I'm a Transvaal burgher, which
is the very last thing I shall care to be."

"Oh, shut up, Guy!" Jack cried warmly, colouring with embarrassment.
"It's all been luck--sheer luck from beginning to end."

"Luck! Bosh, my dear old chap; bosh!" exclaimed Guy with a merry laugh.
"You're the only fellow who will ever say such a thing."

"Well, I think so," Jack answered. "But you've talked enough already,
Guy. The surgeon expressly told me that you were to keep silent, and
here you are chattering away as tho