to prophesy evil! I say we're going to leave the Boers far
behind and escape."

"I can't look at our chance in the same flowery light as you do, my
boy," replied Ingleborough. "My breakfast wasn't good enough to inspire
me with so much hope, and I should advise you to open your haversack."

"Nonsense! I could not eat now!"

"But you must be ready to if you don't begin, my lad. My advice is that
you get ready to eat those sandwiches, for you mustn't let the good
verbal meat inside get into the enemy's hands."

Ingleborough had hardly spoken before his horse suddenly checked,
throwing him forward upon its neck and nearly sending him off. But he
clung to it desperately, while the poor beast's next act was to rear up,
pawing hard at the air. In spite of the difficulty, Ingleborough
shuffled himself back into the saddle, speaking encouraging words to the
shivering animal, which kept on pawing at the air for a few moments and
just gave its rider time to throw himself off sidewise before it went
right over backwards, struck out with all four legs in the air, and then
subsided--motionless.

West drew rein instantly as he tore by, and cantered back, reckless of
the whistling bullets which were flying around.

"Beg their pardon!" cried Ingleborough, struggling to his feet after a
heavy fall. "I retract my words."

"Hurt?" cried West excitedly.

"Rather! Ground is pretty hard!"

"Here," cried West, leaping off; "jump into my saddle, and I'll hold on
by the mane and run."

"Nonsense! Absurd! Don't be a fool!" cried Ingleborough angrily. "The
game's up for me! Jump up and gallop again! Don't let the brutes take
you too."

"Likely!" said West, taking out his handkerchief and beginning to fold
it bandage fashion. "Your head's bleeding. Let me tie this round."

"Let it bleed!" cried Ingleborough angrily, and picking up his soft felt
hat, which had fallen in the dust, he stuck it on tightly. "That's
bandaged!" he said. "Now then, be off before it's too late."

"Of course; that's just what you would have done!" said West quietly.

"Never mind what I would have done," cried Ingleborough angrily. "Ride
for your life!"

"Do you take me for a Dutchman?" said West coolly.

"Oh, you fool--you fool!" cried Ingleborough, stamping his foot angrily.
"You'll be too late! No, they're dismounting. Now then, up with you
and make a dash."

West gave a glance to right and left, to see that some twenty of the
ene