at the reflected stars, which became blurred as the ponies
splashed into water and then lowered their muzzles to drink.

"A great pool?" said West.

"No; hark!"

West listened, to hear the rippling trickle of running water.

"A river!" he said excitedly.

"Yes, and it may be the Vaal. If not, it will be one of the streams
running into it."

"And we must keep on this side and follow it down."

"Well, no," said Ingleborough, with a little laugh; "seeing that the
Boers are after us, I think it will be safer to follow it down from the
other side."

"Very well! What shall we do--get down and wade?"

"I would rather keep dry," replied Ingleborough. "Let's wait till the
ponies have drunk sufficient, and then try if it is safe enough for them
to walk across. I think it will be, for you can hear how shallow it
is!"

"Yes," said West; "close in here; but what is it farther out?"

He stood up in his stirrups and followed the reflection of the stars for
some distance.

"It's a big river, Ingle," he said, "and it would be madness to try and
ford it in the dark."

"Very well; let's get a good drink as soon as the ponies have had their
share, and then follow the river down till we come upon a place where
they can graze and we can rest."

This plan was followed out, the ponies being hobbled at a spot where
there seemed to be plenty of feed, while amongst the dense bushes and
rugged stones which barred their way a snug resting-place was soon
found, where, after cautiously making their way down to the river bank
and allaying their thirst, the fugitives lay down to rest, listening to
the sound of falling water not far away. Then, in perfect forgetfulness
of Boers, despatches, and all the dangers of their way, both dropped
into the deep sleep produced by exertion--a sleep which lasted till the
sun was once more beginning to flood the earth with light.

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN.

ROUGH WORK.

It was the sound of a deep breath which put an end to West's slumber,
and he opened his eyes to lie staring at two more, big, brown, soft, and
peaceful-looking, not a foot away from his own.

It was some moments before full wakefulness came and he realised where
he was, and that it was his pony, well-fed and rested, mutely asking him
whether he was not going to mount and ride off again.

It was then that the thought of danger asserted itself, and he raised
his head and looked sharply around, to see that they were amongst s