sappointed.

"We might find him somewhere near, sir, even if the Boers are there," he
said.

"In the darkness of a moonless night, with men on the _qui vive_ ready
to fire at the slightest sound?"

"We got well into the laager last night, sir, with a hundred and fifty
men," said Dickenson in tones of protest.

"But you wouldn't get in to-night with one, and such an enterprise
against either of the other laagers would now be impossible. There, I
can make no further concessions, for all your sakes, so be content."

"You are right, sir, and I am wrong," replied Dickenson quietly.

"You will retire, then, directly you find the place occupied?"

"Yes, sir."

"Go, then, as soon as it is dark. You can pick two men who can ride,
take three of the captured Bechuana ponies, and one can hold them while
the others search."

"Thank you, sir."

"But I have no hope of your finding him, Dickenson. This is solely from
a desire that we may feel we have done all we can do in such a case.
Now I am busy. You have been up all night, and nearly been killed. Go
and lie down for a few hours' sleep."

The young officer left the colonel's presence, and had no trouble in
finding the sergeant, for he was watching for his return, and heard with
eagerness the result.

"Ride? Capital, sir; make us fresher for our work. We shall find him.
I don't believe he's dead. Now you'll take a rest, sir. I'll have the
ponies ready, and the men."

Dickenson gave him the names of the two men he would like to take, but
had to give up one.

"Can't sit a horse, sir; hangs on its back like a stuffed image. Now
Jeffson, sir, was a gentleman's groom. Ride anything. I wonder he
isn't in the cavalry."

"Very well, then; warn Jeffson. There, I am done up, sergeant. I trust
you to rouse me as soon as it's dark."

"Right, sir. But one word, sir."

"What is it?"

"Captain Roby, sir. Keeps off his head, sir. Going on awfully. Doctor
Emden says it's due to the bullet striking his skull."

"Dangerous?" said Dickenson anxiously.

"Oh no, sir; but he keeps on saying things that it's bad for the men to
hear; and that Corporal May, he's nearly as bad. He thinks he's worse.
He's within hearing, and every time the captain says anything, Master
Corporal May begins wagging his head and crying, and tells the chaps
about him that it's all right."

"Poor fellow! There, I'll go and see them before I lie down."

"No, sir; please, don't," said