nking that while the horses are resting a tot all round wouldn't hurt
us any. Might buck us up a bit, and it's mortal dry."

"Yes; that's right," said Lamont. "But--only one, mind. We mustn't
overdo it, for we shall have all our work cut out for us."

The said tot having been served out to all hands, and the party having
requisitioned some of poor Langrishe's biscuit in case of accidents--for
they had set forth none too well provisioned--the body of the
unfortunate storekeeper was left locked up within his own house. Girths
were tightened, and the road was resumed.

The fresh spoor of the mule-waggon and the police horses was plain
enough in the dry, powdery road, but the rapidity of their pace
underwent no diminution. But, like those they followed, they were
disgusted to find Skrine's Store shut up and deserted. Equally, with
those they followed, they did not discover the remains of the luckless
Skrine and his unknown companions, lying murdered in the bush.

Again girths were loosened for a bare five minutes, and again they
cantered forward. And now hopes began to rise. They had covered about
half the stage to the Kezane Store. It was late in the afternoon, and
Fullerton's party would be sure to sleep there. They might have to
stand a siege there, but that was safety itself compared with being
attacked in the open. Then, just as this hope had become almost a
certainty, there occurred that which brought a quick exclamation to
every mouth. Right ahead on the smooth still air, distant and muffled
came the dull rattle of a volley.

"Great Jupiter! they're attacked," cried Lamont, putting his horse to a
gallop. "Come on, Peters. Come on everybody. For God's sake, put your
best foot forward!"

No need was there for this exhortation. Tingling with excitement every
man was sending his steed along for all he knew how--those who were the
most indifferently mounted slashing and spurring and cursing. And if
any additional stimulant were needed the sound of further firing in
front went far to supply it.

"It won't be far beyond here," yelled Peters, as they tore through the
entrance to the bushy valley, where the fight at close quarters had
first commenced. And, even as he spoke, more shots rang out, this time
very near indeed, and with them mingled the roars and hisses of the
attacking Matabele. Only a bend in the road hid from them the scene of
action.

"Come on, boys!" shouted Lamont, half turning in