n he gets nearer. Then `hot,' and
last of all `burning.' Come, keep up the game!"

"I should just like to ram that pair of clean socks between your teeth,
my fine fellow, and keep it there with a leather strap," muttered the
officer; and, as if about to put his wish into practice, he stooped and
picked up the closely rolled-up pair of socks lying with some other
articles of attire placed freshly washed upon a shelf by Anson's
landlady.

"Now then," cried Anson boisterously, "cry `burning,' somebody: there
must be some diamonds inside that!"

The directors frowned, and Ingleborough and West looked on angrily as
the officer dashed the soft woollen ball back upon the heap and then
went on with his search for nearly an hour.

By this time the lookers-on were as much disgusted as the
superintendent.

"I'm very sorry, gentlemen," he cried; "but I can do no more. There is
nothing else to be done unless we have my men in and regularly strip the
wood-work down."

"Oh, pray have them in, then," cried Anson. "If I were you I'd--"

"Silence, sir!" cried the chief director fiercely, and Anson stared.
"We have not the slightest doubt of your guilt. Your conduct all
through has proved it. That will do, Mr Norton."

"You think the evidence sufficient to justify an arrest, gentlemen?"

"We will consult together," replied the director who had just spoken,
"and communicate our decision to you."

"What, aren't you satisfied yet?" cried Anson mockingly.

"Quite," replied his chief; "and of course, sir, your post is vacant.
For the present, Mr Norton, you will keep an eye upon this man, and see
that he does not leave the town."

"Unless I'm very much mistaken, sir," said the superintendent, "neither
our friend here nor anyone else will leave Kimberley for some time to
come."

"Is it so bad as that?"

"Yes, sir. The Boers are gradually closing in, I am told. But I'll
keep an eye on Mr Anson here all the same."

Five minutes later the party were on their way back to the mine
buildings, where the first thing that West heard was that the Boers were
gathering in great force, and, as far as could be judged, were making
the Diamond City their objective.

Troubles were gathering fast, and news kept on coming hotter and hotter.

West and Ingleborough were back in their places at the office, talking
over the war news and mingling with it the scenes they had just gone
through.

"Norton promised me he'd call in here when