ory."

"But surely, sir," said Captain Roby impatiently, "help might have been
sent to us before now. Has the general forgotten us?"

"No," said the colonel decisively. "I'm afraid that he has several
detachments in the same condition as we are. That's why we do not get
any help."

"Perhaps so, sir," said the captain bitterly; "but I'm getting very
tired of this inaction."

"That sounds like a reproach to me, Roby," said the colonel gravely.

"Oh no, sir; I didn't mean that," said the captain.

"Your words expressed it sir. Come now, speak out. What would you do
if you were in my place, with three strong commandos of the Boers
forming a triangle with a kopje at each apex which they hold with guns?"

"I don't want to give an opinion, sir."

"But every one wishes that you should.--Eh, gentlemen?"

"Certainly," came in eager chorus.

"Well, if I must speak, I must, sir," said the captain, flushing.

"Yes, speak without fear or favour."

"Well, sir, all military history teaches us that generals with small
armies, when surrounded by a greater force, have gained victories by
attacking the enemy in detail."

"Yes, I see what you mean," said the colonel quietly. "You would have
me attack and take first one kopje, then the second, and then the
third?"

"Exactly, sir."

"Capital strategy, Mr Roby, if it could be done; but I cannot recall
any case in which a general was situated as we are, with three very
strong natural forts close at hand."

There was a murmur of assent, and Dickenson exchanged glances with
Lennox, who was, with the exception of the scar on his forehead, none
the worse for his terrible experience in the kopje cavern.

"You see, gentlemen," continued the colonel, who did not display the
slightest resentment at Roby's remarks, "if the Boers were soldiers--men
who could manoeuvre, attack, and carry entrenchments--they are so much
stronger that they could have carried this place with ease. It would
have meant severe loss, but in the end, if they had pushed matters to
extremity, they must have won. As it is, they fight from cover--very
easy work, when they have so many natural strongholds. I could take any
of these; but while I was engaged with my men against one party, the
other two would advance and take this place, with such stores as we
have. Where should we be then?"

"Oh, but I'd leave half the men to defend the place, sir. Why, with a
couple of companies, and a good time chosen