ecide what to do," replied West,
looking frankly in the officer's eyes; "but--I have heard of such a
thing being done, sir--"

"What do you mean?" said the Commandant sternly.

"That to ensure a despatch not falling into the enemy's hands the bearer
learned its contents carefully and then burned it."

"Hah! Yes. That would make it safe," cried the officer, with a
satisfied look. "But, no, it could not be done in this case. I have no
right to open the despatch, and I do not know its contents. You must
take it as it is, and in the event of disaster burn or bury it. Destroy
it somehow. It must not fall into the enemy's hands. Here."

"I understand, sir," said West, taking the thick letter in its envelope,
as it was extended to him; and the Commandant heaved a sigh as if of
relief on being freed of a terrible incubus.

"There," he said, "I shall tie you down to no restrictions other than
these. That packet must somehow be placed in the hands of the Colonel
Commandant at Mafeking. I do not like to name failure, for you are both
young, strong, and evidently full of resource; but once more: if you are
driven too hard, burn or destroy the packet. Now then, what do you want
in the way of arms? You have your rifles, and you had better take
revolvers, which you can have with ammunition from the military stores.
Do you want money?"

"No, sir; we shall require no money to signify," said Ingleborough
quietly. "But we must have the best horses that can be obtained."

"Those you must provide for yourselves. Take the pick of the place, and
the order shall be made for payment. My advice is that you select as
good a pair of Basuto ponies as you can obtain. They will be the best
for your purpose. There, I have no more to say but `God speed you,' for
it is a matter of life and death."

He shook hands warmly with both, and, on glancing back as soon as they
were outside, they saw the Commandant watching them from the window,
whence he waved his hand.

"He thinks we shall never get back again, Noll," said Ingleborough,
smiling; "but we'll deceive him. Now then, what next?"

"We must see Mr Allan," replied West.

"Then forward," cried Ingleborough. "We must see old Norton too before
we go, or he'll feel huffed. Let's go round by his place."

They found the superintendent in and ready to shake hands with them both
warmly.

"Most plucky!" he kept on saying. "Wish I could go with you."

"I wish you could, and