orking with feverish energy when he found himself cornered.

During the course of the day four Germans approached the outlying
piquets and made signs that they wished to surrender. Blindfolded they
were escorted to headquarters and subjected to a rigorous examination.
They admitted frankly that supplies both of food and ammunition were
running short and that the Askaris were restless and showing signs of
mutiny. The prisoners also gave details of the position of some of the
German advance works, stating that they were but lightly held. Each
man being showed a military map he indicated the position of the
defence in question; and, what was more, the descriptions coincided
with each other.

"It would be well, however, not to take too much for granted, sir,"
remarked the adjutant to Colonel Quarrier after the Germans had been
removed. "This surrender business may be a put-up job to throw dust in
our eyes. Their yarn has a sort of carefully-practised savour about
it."

"Perhaps you are right," agreed the C.O. of the Waffs. "It would be as
well to be content with a feint upon this section of the defences in
case there is a labyrinth of mines. What sort of ground is this?"

He pointed with a pencil to the map spread out in front of him. The
adjutant looked, frowned and tugged at his moustache.

"I really cannot say, sir," he replied at length. "If the map is
correct----"

"I refer to the actual terrain," interrupted Colonel Quarrier. "Look
here, Manners; if it is fairly undulating, and not too steep on the
north-eastern side, it ought to be admirably suited for a
_coup-de-main_. Frontal, of course, but that is inevitable."

"Just so, sir," murmured the adjutant. Colonel Quarrier deliberately
folded up the map. "Very well," he said in conclusion. "Send a
reliable officer out. I want an accurate report. Whom can you
suggest?"

Captain Manners pondered.

"There's Mr. Spofforth, sir----"

"Too jolly lanky for the job," objected the colonel.

"Mr. Danvers----"

"Took lowest marks at map-reading," continued the critical C.O. "A
smart officer in every other respect."

"Mr. Laxdale----"

"Lacks caution," declared Colonel Quarrier. "No pun intended. A good
man in a rush at the head of his platoon, but for individual
work--Who's next?"

"Mr. Wilmshurst, sir."

"Only just out of hospital," was the C.O.'s dictum.

"But fit and as keen as mustard, sir," persisted the adjutant for two
reasons. He