drew both together. But it was terrible
work, for they would not come readily, because the bandoliers were
hanging to them, and as I pulled I fully expected that something would
catch and discharge one of the pieces, to alarm the whole laager for
certain, even if it did not kill me. But by lifting and easing and
turning the rifles over I at last got the two pieces nearly out, when
they suddenly seemed to be held fast, and I stood there gradually
getting drenched with perspiration."

"Why, the edge of the tilt must have caught them!" said Ingleborough
excitedly.

"Yes, that's what I found to be the case, and by turning them over again
they came free, and I was standing by the wheel with what we wanted."

"Hah!" sighed Ingleborough.

"But even then I had a chill, for the snoring ceased and the sleeper
began to mutter, taking all the strength out of me, till I felt that
even if he or they beneath the wagon should rouse up I could escape
through the darkness if I was quick."

"So you slung the rifles and bandoliers over your shoulders, went down
on your hands and knees, and crept back?"

"No, I did not. I felt that there was not time, and that I had better
trust to the darkness to escape, so I just shouldered the pieces and
stepped out boldly walking across the broad path of light."

"Good; but you should have struck off to your right, so as to get where
it would be more feeble."

"I thought of that," said West quickly; "but I dared not, for fear of
missing our wagon. So I walked boldly on, and almost ran against a
Boer."

"Tut-tut-tut! Did he stop you?"

"No: he just said: `Mind where you are coming!' and passed on."

"Well?" said Ingleborough.

"That's all. I marched along to the wagon here and stood the rifles up
before venturing to get in, for I fancied that you were talking in your
sleep and would bring the sentry upon us. There, I've got the arms, and
I don't want such another job as that."

"Pooh! Nonsense, lad! The game has only just begun! You ought to feel
encouraged, for you have learned and taught me how easy the rest of our
job will be! Just a little cool pluck, and we shall succeed!"

"Very well!" said West. "I'm ready! What next?"

"We must lie down and wait till we hear the commando on the stir, and
then--"

"Yes," said West softly; "and then?"

"Let's wait and see!"

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.

EVERYTHING COMES TO THE MAN WHO WAITS.

What seemed like a couple of the wea