ued the colonel; "and instead of rejoining his
fighting friends, he has gone back to the ways of peace and trade, and
they have just arrived at the outposts with a couple of wagon-loads of
grain, a score of sheep, and ten oxen."

The news was received with a shout, and as soon as silence was obtained
the colonel continued: "It seems incredible; but, after all, it is only
the beginning of what must come to pass. For, once the Boer is
convinced that it is of no use to fight, he will try his best to make
all he can out of his enemies."

"Well, it's splendid news," said the major; "but what about its being
some cunning trap?"

"That is what I am disposed to suspect," said the colonel; "so, quietly
and without stir, double the outposts, send word to the men on the kopje
to be on the alert, and let everything, without any display of force, be
ready for what may come. You, Captain Roby, take half a company to meet
our visitors, and bring the welcome provender into the market-place
here."

"Bob," whispered Lennox, "if we could only go with Roby! There'll be a
couple of score of the enemy hiding amongst those sacks."

"Get out!" responded Dickenson. "I never did see such an old
cock-and-bull inventor as you are. It's stale, too. You're thinking of
the old story of the fellows who took the castle by riding in a wagon
loaded with grass and them underneath. Then it was driven in under the
portcullis, which was dropped at the first alarm, and came down chop on
the wagon and would go no farther, while the fellows hopped out through
the grass and took the castle. Pooh! What's the good of being so
suspicious? These Boers are tired of fighting, and they've taken the
old man's advice about trade."

"I don't believe it," said Lennox firmly. "I wouldn't trust the Boers a
bit."

"Well, don't believe it, then; but let's go and see what they've
brought, all the same."

"Yes, certainly; but let's put the colonel on his guard."

"What! Go and tell him what you think?"

"Certainly."

"Thanks, no, dear boy. I have only one nose, and I want it."

"What do you mean?" said Lennox sharply.

"Don't want it snapped off, as they say. The idea of the cheek--going
and teaching our military grandmother--father, I mean, how to suck
eggs!"

"You never will believe till the thing's rammed down your throat," said
Lennox angrily. "Well, come along as we have no orders."

And without further discussion the two young men buckled