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@@ -1,31 +1,4 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Empire Makers, by Hume Nesbit - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Empire Makers - A Romance of Adventure and War in South Africa - -Author: Hume Nesbit - -Release Date: September 22, 2012 [EBook #40838] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EMPIRE MAKERS *** - - - - -Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England - - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 40838 *** The Empire Makers A Romance of Adventure and War in South Africa @@ -3894,7 +3867,7 @@ Their sentences were-- Seven years each, with hard labour. -oe2000 fine each, or another five years. +Å“2000 fine each, or another five years. A hundred lashes, to be spread over the first two years in the following order: twenty-five lashes after the first three months' imprisonment, @@ -10302,358 +10275,4 @@ The End. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Empire Makers, by Hume Nesbit -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EMPIRE MAKERS *** - -***** This file should be named 40838.txt or 40838.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/0/8/3/40838/ - -Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Empire Makers - A Romance of Adventure and War in South Africa - -Author: Hume Nesbit - -Release Date: September 22, 2012 [EBook #40838] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EMPIRE MAKERS *** - - - - -Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England - - - - -The Empire Makers -A Romance of Adventure and War in South Africa -By Hume Nesbit -Published by F.V. White and Co., 145 Bedford Street, Strand, London WC. -This edition dated 1900. - -The Empire Makers, by Hume Nesbit. - -________________________________________________________________________ - -________________________________________________________________________ -THE EMPIRE MAKERS, BY HUME NESBIT. - -PREFACE. - -Africa is still the home of mystery, in spite of the many explorers who -have revealed much of its wonders. This romance is concerned mainly -with the adventures of three young men who went out to South Africa, got -into trouble with the Transvaal Government, and afterwards discovered an -ancient nation in Central Africa. - -On their return they were able to take a little hand in this present war -of Justice and Right, where so many of our best and bravest are shedding -their blood. - -I wish I could have shown my readers the wind up of this vile oligarchy -of Pretoria tyrants. Yet I dare say no real Briton can doubt but that -the end must be the triumph of our glorious Empire and the ultimate -civilisation of those ignorant savages, the Boers. - -It has cost us dearly--it may cost us more--yet never let a true lover -of liberty be biased by the friends of the oppressors. Africa must be a -free country, as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are. Like those -great countries, Africa must become a loyal and faithful daughter to her -beneficent mother, our Empire, and enjoy the fruits of emancipation as -those other sisters do. - -These fruits are Liberty, Equality, Justice, and Fraternity to all races -over which waves the glorious Red, White, and Blue Flag, the Union Jack. - -The boons which we are at present fighting for will cause many a hearth -to mourn for the brave sons who lie under the cold stars and the fierce -suns of Africa. But as the human parts of these sons enrich the veldt, -so will their heroic actions cause countless generations of Boers to -bless their coming. They have fought--not out of revenge, but for duty -and love of their brothers. They have died for a noble cause, and -Africa will yet think of them with pride. While, therefore, we drop a -tear over their sacred graves, let it be one of gratitude and pride. -Who would not sooner share the grave of a soldier in Africa than grasp -the hand of a pro-Boer in England? Who would not sooner lie beside a -hero on the veldt than be placed near the statesman who caused all this -waste of blood? - -That you may forgive all the shortcomings in this book, and be -interested in it and its pictures, is the most earnest wish of the -writer. If it can keep an Imperialist steadfast when persuaded by -crafty traitors, if it can induce a wavering pro-Boer to be once more a -faithful son or daughter to Justice and our Empire, then it has more -than fulfilled the desires of - -ITS AUTHOR. - -Yorick Club, 30, Bedford Street, London, W.C. - -CHAPTER ONE. - -AT SHEBOURNE ACADEMY. - -Three braver, franker, and more chivalrous hearts never beat in male -breasts than those that beat under the jackets of Ned Romer, Clarence -Raybold, and Fred Weldon. - -Ned Romer, the long-acknowledged hero and captain of the school, was -about seventeen years of age. He had won his supremacy, as all lads -must do at schools, by hard fighting and expertness in outdoor games and -sports, as much as by general proficiency in his studies. - -The boys expected him, of course, to be dux in the schoolroom; they -could never have respected a duffer, no matter how smart he may have -been on the field. An ignorant booby could never win schoolboy respect, -no matter how great a fighter he proved himself to be. - -To become the leader of a school requires many perfections in a boy. He -must have the same qualities which form a leader of men--personal force -and self-control, the power of controlling and influencing those about -him. He must be always prepared and ready to face unexpected -difficulties, be tireless in his work, willing ever to help his -followers in their task, and thus win their admiration, by proving that -he knows much more than they do. - -He must be prepared to act as champion for the school, if called upon; -to be the best batsman and bowler, the most tireless runner and swimmer; -in fact, to be constantly on the qui vive. - -Schoolboys are very keen critics, and don't give their admiration -blindly. True, once their allegiance is given, it takes a good deal to -destroy the prestige of their hero. Unlike grown men, they do not -easily forget Ned Romer had all the natural qualities of a hero. -Physically, he was tall for his age, handsome, strongly formed, and -absolutely fearless. - -A well-posed, firm head rested between square shoulders. His hair was -crisp, curly, and light brown. His eyes were those bright and blue eyes -that look frankly and bravely out upon the world, and never shift when -appealed to. When boys or men possess those kind of eyes, a lie direct -is an impossibility with them. They cannot prevaricate. It is not the -despicable meanness of a lie that prevents them; they do not consider -such ethics or reasons. Like George Washington, they simply cannot tell -a lie. To do so would be a physical impossibility. The liar and the -craven are natural products, and go together, as real courage, -magnanimity, and truth are ever found united. - -His habits of constant exercise had made Ned Romer an athlete. A -natural aptitude for study and thirst for knowledge made his tasks a -pleasure, and easy to acquire. He was ambitious to shine, and could not -endure defeat. To him an obstacle meant an enemy to be overcome and -destroyed, and until he achieved this, he had no peace of mind. - -This was his last term at school; and during the years he had spent at -Shebourne Academy, he had learnt that the most precious of all a brave -man's possessions is the habit of controlling his temper. He had a -fiery temper. Now, a temper is as needful to boy and man as a pair of -strong arms, but, like strength, this must be kept in reserve for -occasions when force is required, not dissipated in senseless outbursts. -As our story progresses, the reader will find out more about the -characteristics and temper of Ned Romer. - -Early in life he had been left an orphan, under the guardianship of his -late father's solicitor. - -This guardian was a bachelor, who evidently considered it to be the -beginning and end of his duty to pay the school fees and other expenses -of his ward. - -Thus Ned had never been invited to visit his guardian during his -holidays, the master of the college, or academy, Dr Heardman, LL.D., -M.A., etc., being paid to look after the boy during the holidays. In -consequence of these arrangements, Shebourne Academy was the only home -that Ned Romer had ever known, and his schoolfellows were his only -friends. - -Some lads would have felt lonely and have pined under the monotony of -such a life; but Ned was not one of the brooding kind. The country all -round the academy was beautiful, being in the heart of Devonshire, and -within sight of Dartmoor hills. What money he required, in reason, his -guardian freely sent, and as Ned had lived here ever since he could -remember, his needs were not extravagant, with such Spartan tastes as he -had. - -Books he had in profusion, for the doctor's library was at his disposal. -He found amusement enough during the vacations in studying botany and -reading books of travel and exploration. - -When asked by his guardian what vocation he would like to take up in -life, during one of that gentleman's rare visits, Ned had answered -promptly-- - -"I mean to be a traveller." - -His guardian was pleased with this reply; at least, he seemed to be so -from the way his foxy face beamed and the manner in which he rubbed his -hands together. - -"Yes, Ned, I think such a life would suit a bold, strong lad like you -exactly. You might go to Australia or Africa, and make a fortune in no -time." - -"Oh, I don't care much about the fortune," replied Ned, carelessly. "As -long as I have enough to live and keep clear of debt, I'll be satisfied, -so that I can do some good and help on civilisation and the glory and -power of England." - -"Like the great Cecil Rhodes, eh--the Empire maker?" said his guardian, -slyly. - -"That is my ambition, Mr Raymond," answered Ned, calmly. - -He was not very familiar with his guardian, and although he could not -say that he disliked him, yet he always felt better pleased to bid him -good-bye than to welcome him at the beginning of his infrequent and -short visits. - -"Hum--yes; I think we shall be able to advance your views in this -respect. Your father was not a rich man when he died, Edward. However, -I need not go into that matter now, as I shall tell you all about it -when you have left school. But I dare say--as I have been careful of -what he did leave--that I shall be able to provide you with a -comfortable start in life." - -This conversation had taken place on the last visit of Mr Jabez Raymond -to Shebourne Academy at the beginning of the finishing term. Since then -Ned had diligently pursued his studies, and was pretty well prepared to -face the world, as far as theory could prepare a young man. Experience -must hereafter be the finisher of his education. - -Clarence Raybold and Fred Weldon ranked next to Ned Romer in proficiency -and expertness. They were both bold fellows, who had moulded -themselves, as far as they could, on the pattern of their leader and -hero, Ned. - -Both had battled and worked their way upwards to their present proud -position. The other boys owned their superiority, but--as will chance -so often--while being good and faithful chums, there was not a little -rivalry between them as to which should stand next to Ned Romer. Some -of the boys boasted that Raybold, the Africander, was the strongest and -best; some vowed by Weldon, the Australian. - -A school is somewhat like a ship; there cannot be two first officers any -more than there can be two captains, if perfect harmony is to be -maintained. - -Affairs had been long brewing towards an open contest between these two -friendly rivals for the supremacy. They were very nearly the same age; -Weldon was only a month older than Raybold, both being in their -sixteenth year. - -They were both tall and strong, Raybold an inch wider in the chest, -while Weldon was two inches taller. Raybold was the best batter, Weldon -the best bowler. They could both swim and dive like fish. In this -exercise they surpassed Ned and every other boy round about the -countryside. - -The favourite study of Ned was botany; Fred Weldon was an authority on -chemistry, and Clarence Raybold on astronomy. In these accomplishments -they stood apart and equal. - -In their other studies they were also reckoned pretty equal. If one -excelled in one branch, the other excelled in some other department. - -There was only one way left to decide the question at issue, and this -was, as Nature decides the same question of supremacy, by fighting. - -It may seem a barbarous thing that boys and men cannot settle such -disputed points in any other way except by battle. Savages settle it -thus. Civilised races do the same, and amongst healthy boys it appears -to be as strict a necessity as amongst men. - -Thus it happened that a Saturday had been fixed upon for the grand -tournament between those rival knights, with the entire school as -spectators and Captain Edward Romer as umpire. - -There was no personal bitterness between the two colonial boys, for -although there had been of late considerable friction, this had occurred -more between the supporters than the principals. - -A mass meeting had been called, and the contest between Australia and -Africa decided upon. The two champions were moved alone by ambition and -the desire to settle their future position, once and for all. They had -likewise agreed to abide by the decision of the umpire and the school, -without any further appeal. - -It was to be a friendly enough contest, yet all knew that it would not -be a drawing-room or stage play. It was to be a real, not a sham -battle. - -The ground fixed upon was about three miles from Shebourne, down by the -river, at a spot where the banks were level and the water deep. This -was their usual bathing-place. - -It is not my intention to describe this fight, further than to say that -it was fought according to recognised rules, without prejudice, and -decided in thirteen rounds. - -The umpire watched keenly, and stopped each round when it was likely to -become too fierce. Thus, although some claret was spilt, it wasn't in -serious quantities, and could easily be washed away without leaving any -palpable traces. Clarence Raybold came out of the "mill" with a swollen -upper lip and some bruises on his biceps, and Fred Weldon with a flowing -nose. - -Raybold was declared victor, while Weldon accepted his defeat with a -good grace. Africa had beaten Australia by only two seconds of time, -yet both had fought so splendidly that the audience, without exception, -declared that the defeat was nearly as good as the victory. Both had -conducted themselves so temperately yet sturdily, taking and giving such -real strokes, and warding off with such rare skill, that the supporters -of Weldon were as proud of his actions as were the Raybold section of -his deeds of daring. - -With loud acclaim they were unanimously declared worthy champions of -"Shebourne," of whom the academy ought to be proud. - -It was a glorious day in early summer. The leaves were lushly green and -fresh, the sunbeams warm, and the water in front of them most inviting. - -Therefore, after Ned had delivered his unalterable decision, young -Africa shook hands with his brother young Australia, and they all -finished up the fun by casting their clothes on to the grassy banks and -plunging into the transparent river, like lively tadpoles. - -After this eventful day there was complete concord at Shebourne Academy. -Fred Weldon took his orders from Clarence Raybold, who submitted to the -wise and experienced authority of Ned Romer, and the long and happy days -of schoolboy life flew on unheeded towards their close. - -CHAPTER TWO. - -THE COMPACT. - -The hours which the three school leaders were spending in study and -merry sport were bringing great events into their lives. - -On the same day that Fred Weldon fought with Clarence Raybold by the -side of that Devon river, his father, the reputed wealthy Australian, -died a bankrupt, leaving his family almost paupers. - -He had been involved in the disastrous land boom, and forced to mortgage -all his stock and estates. Indeed, for the past five or six years he -had only been able to carry on his station through the leniency of his -creditors. When death overtook him, he had been threatened with -foreclosure, which took place directly after his funeral. - -It was a couple of weeks before the expiration of the last term for the -three school friends, when a black-edged letter came to inform Fred -about the death of his father and his own penniless condition. A double -blow that was, which prostrated the poor Australian boy, and took the -sunshine out of his life. - -He dearly loved his father, although he had not seen that father for the -six years he had spent at Shebourne Academy. To know that he should -never again on earth see the kindly face of that loved parent nearly -broke his tender heart. - -He had been brought up under the belief that, as far as he was -concerned, the seeking for a living was not a consideration which need -occupy his attention. He might go in for a profession as an amusement -to fill out time, or study the wool markets in London, and afterwards -take up his father's gentlemanly occupation as a squatter. Money had -never hitherto troubled his young mind. A liberal allowance had been -regularly paid to Dr Heardman for his use outside his school and -clothing fees. Up to this date he always had the most lavishly lined -purse in the school. Not being a cad, he never paraded his riches in -the least. He was free and open-handed, and ready always to give -without considering or remembering; but with the instincts of -generations of gentlemen in his blood, he gave or lent delicately, and -without allowing his right hand to know what his left hand did. - -He was in consequence universally liked and respected, instead of being -hated, as ostentatious givers generally are. - -A bluff, offhand manner covered a very warm and tender nature, as the -brown freckles covered his clear skin, until the original tints had to -be guessed at. He had speckled, brown-grey eyes, a good deal resembling -the colour of the iron stains so plentifully bespattered over his face. -This monotony of yellow-brown gave him a bark-like appearance that did -not add to his beauty at first sight. - -It was a good and a brave face, however, that of Fred Weldon, in spite -of its dingy tones. When he opened his mouth to laugh, he exhibited a -fine set of strong white teeth that made him almost beautiful. His -laugh also was a ringing and a hearty laugh, which went straight into -one's heart when heard. By-and-by also, when one began to examine his -points, it was wonderful how many excellences and beauties were -disclosed. Nicely shaped ears, although often skinned and roughened by -the weather; well-shaped hands, although tanned by the sun; hair with a -golden lustre and a sinuous waviness; delicately shaped lips; and a nose -bold, fine, and straight, with nostrils sensitive as those of a -well-bred horse. Fred Weldon decidedly improved on acquaintance, for he -was polite, considerate, and of a singularly happy disposition. - -When the evil tidings came he showed his grit and breeding by at once -facing the difficulty instead of bemoaning it idly. He had no longer -any expectations beyond what pocket-money he had saved, and fifty pounds -which an uncle had sent him, to pay his fare, second class, out to -Australia, if he cared to go. - -This uncle told him kindly, but frankly, however, in his letter, that if -he cared to go anywhere else for the present, it would be as well, for -Australia could not hold out much-prospect for a penniless young man for -some years yet to come. - -His mother and sisters were provided for, as this uncle had taken them -home to his station. He need, therefore, suffer no anxiety on their -account. He had only himself now to consider. - -It is a sad moment in the life of a boy when he loses his natural -protector, even although he may step into his father's property. This -desolation becomes intensified when, besides his father, the boy loses -home, and, with what makes home attractive, all certainty of the future. - -Fred Weldon felt now, for the first time, that he was no longer a -passenger in life's bark, but had been forced into the position of the -formerly utterly trusted and lost pilot. He had now to steer where -formerly he had left that responsibility to others. - -It would have been a most wretched time, those last two weeks at -Shebourne Academy, for poor Fred Weldon, but for the kindly sympathy of -both teachers and fellow-pupils. These made him feel that misfortune -has its compensations, when it brings out these traits of kindness and -friendship. - -The entire school united in showing to Fred how much he was cared for -daring this period of grief and uncertainty. - -But his two chums, Ned Romer and Clarence Raybold, did more, for they -gripped the future with firm and energetic hands, and rendered it a -definite plan. As long as man or boy can map out his course with -definite lines, he has something worth living for. It is the groping -through a damp and dark mistland after a formless ideal which rusts the -mind and saps the vital forces. As long as we can trace a path, so we -can follow it; as long as we know our direction, difficulties are almost -pleasures. Without his two chums, Fred might have fallen into an inert -condition and given way to despair. Without this sudden calamity -befalling him, those three friends might have parted on that vacation -and gone different ways, to idle and dream abortive things. Now it -knitted their lives together, and while they discussed his affairs, they -settled their own. - -Fred had received his letter on a Friday. On Saturday afternoon the -three friends were lying on the banks of the river near the -bathing-pool. - -Fred was in the centre, lying on his back and looking at the sky. His -friends reclined on each side of him, resting on their elbows, and -plucking daisies and buttercups aimlessly. - -That was their way of exhibiting their sympathy. They would not look at -him, for they instinctively felt that he would resent being watched just -now. He could not help his eyes filling now and then, as he saw -pictures of his lost Australian home with his father in that upper patch -of dark blue sky, but he would have hated his chums to see him crying -like a girl. So also would they have despised and detested themselves -for watching these signs of weakness. To cry is human, and sometimes -cannot be kept under--a man will own this with shame; but it is -abominable to be seen at the pitiful game, and no real friend would ever -own he had seen his chum at it. This is one of the sacred obligations -of man-friendship. - -"I say, Raybold," cried Ned, speaking over the silent Fred, "I've been -thinking lately of making my exploration ground Africa. Do you intend -sticking to Johannesburg when you leave here?" - -"Not likely, Ned; the pater wishes me to move about and see the country -before I settle down." - -"Well, what do you say to making a company affair of it?" continued Ned, -cheerfully. "England, Australia, and Africa against the world." - -"I am agreeable," replied Clarence. - -"What do you say, Fred, to this partnership?" - -"What partnership?" asked Fred, waking from his melancholy reverie. - -"That we should go to Africa and become bona fide explorers. The -company to be called the Clarfredned Company of explorers and gentlemen -adventurers." - -"With the last first, of course, Ned," added Clarence, modestly. - -"Well, yes; I suppose I do know a trifle more than you pair of -scientists, having a year's advantage of you. And I haven't the -slightest objection to be your chief, on one condition." - -"And that?" - -"My condition is, that I provide the first expenses." - -"Again agreeable," replied Clarence Raybold, with alacrity. "My pater, -since the Jameson Raid, hasn't had too much cash to spare. What with -confiscation, fines, and taxes, the life of an Uitlander is not an -enviable one in the Transvaal. Therefore I willingly accept your terms, -and declare you to be my captain." - -"What do you say, Weldon?" asked Ned, calmly looking at the water pool. - -He did this because there were indications of a girlish breakdown on the -part of Fred. His eyelids were twitching, and he was gulping something -down that appeared to be choking him. - -"Some fellows go and pay a lot of money to be allowed to join an -expedition of this sort. I regard these fellows as fools to pay for -what should be paid for. The leader always gets the kudos, therefore he -ought to pay the costs. Now, boys, I'm fond of kudos, and I mean to -have as much of it as I can out of this affair, therefore I reckon it is -only fair that I should pay the piper." - -Ned spoke musingly, and flicked with his stick at some grass-stalks. - -Then Clarence Raybold took up the cue with the instinctive feelings of a -gentleman. - -"Those are my sentiments also, of course, when partners go for equal -shares in profits as well as adventures. I think, as a kind of -guarantee of good faith, the subordinates ought to give a little. Now, -I would pledge myself to the extent of twenty pounds, and leave my -leader to do all the rest. What do you say, Weldon, old fellow, to -contributing twenty pounds each, and letting Ned do the rest?" - -Fred crushed back into his eyelids a couple of tears, and then, gulping -down a big sob, like a huge pill, with the indifference of a Stoic, he -said-- - -"I'd give fifty pounds willingly to go with you and Ned; but if you -decide on twenty as the sum, all right, only I have an amendment to -propose." - -"What is that?" asked both Ned and Clar, suspiciously. - -"If we should discover any diamond or gold mines, or other treasures, -that the expenses be then fairly divided, and deducted from our shares -of profits." - -"Done!" cried Ned and Clar, in one breath. - -Then the lads shook hands solemnly, and the compact was made, which gave -them a grand object in life, and sent them forth in search of the -adventures which are now to be related. - -CHAPTER THREE. - -IN THE DEN OF THE LAWYER. - -The next two weeks were spent in maturing plans by the young men for -their intended expedition. Maps were consulted, and books of travel-- -Livingstone, Stanley, and other authorities--devoured in such leisure -times as they had from their finishing studies. - -At last the day arrived--their last day of school life; their last day -under the fatherly control of Dr Heardman. The good doctor was proud -of his three crack pupils, and prophesied great futures for them. The -younger schoolmates went off to their different homes in deep dejection, -wondering how they were ever to get on, the next term, without their -heroes and champions. - -Of course their places would quickly be filled up, for heroic souls and -talented minds are common enough products of British soil. Infatuated -adherents of Disraeli, Gladstone, and Salisbury are apt to fancy that -chaos must come when they have gone from their posts. Yet the old state -coach rumbles along pretty much as it did in the days of former drivers. -The ocean nibbles away at sea-coasts, and encroaches every year in some -parts, while it retires from others in the same proportions. Continents -have been submerged, and ancient cities buried under the brine; but -other continents, cities, and nations have risen and taken the work of -civilisation upon them. The earth has not become a fraction smaller, -the ocean has not increased by so much as a drop of water. - -Heroes have risen and carved their names on the monument of history, but -mankind has not suffered by their passing away. It benefited, -perchance, through their living, as the grain-fields benefit by the -passing rains; yet as the moisture returns to the clouds, and comes down -again and again, so do great deeds repeat themselves amongst men as in -nature. The drop of rain is nothing after it has done its work; the man -is of no more consideration after the emergency has passed for which his -strength was produced. - -For a time the renown of those three champions would hover over -Shebourne Academy. The acts of the new claimants would be criticised -and compared with what had been done before by those doughty heroes. -Then the hour would arrive when their successors appeared to overtop -them in the eyes of the young censors; then they would fade into -oblivion with the majority, and be remembered by a few as demi-gods. In -every school there are minds formed to lead and natures made to admire. -Wisely, the majority of mankind are those who exist for the present, and -trouble themselves neither with the past nor the future. Their hero is -the one who serves their interests for the time. Thus mankind goes on, -trampling the road smoother which old footsteps have partly made, -leaving the dreamers and the regretters to linger on the side pathways. - -Filled with hope and laden with their prizes, the three boys bade -farewell to their old life, and set forth to interview the present -arbitrator of their lives, Mr Jabez Raymond--the man who held the -sinews of war. - -Ned had written to this gentleman, and in his reply Mr Raymond gave -them a warm invitation to visit him and consult over matters at his -place. - -Mr Jabez Raymond was, as we have already stated, not a family man, but -he had a good practice in the cathedral town of Abbotsmore, about one -hundred and thirty miles from Shebourne. - -His sister acted as housekeeper to him, and although it was not a very -large house, yet Ned Romer wondered that he had not been invited before -during his holidays. There were bedrooms enough to accommodate him and -his comrades. He excused his guardian, however, as being a bachelor, -and not caring for the company of youngsters. - -Mr Raymond's house and offices faced the main street, with the -cathedral in front of it, and a large garden leading down to the river -at the back. It was an old-fashioned and somewhat dark house inside, -filled with passages, recesses, cupboards, and unexpected nooks. The -walls of the dining-room were oak-wainscotted. The offices also were -lined with the same enduring and time-blackened material. - -It had been a great family house at one time, as the crests and -ornaments on the ceilings showed. The small-paned windows likewise told -of its ancient history. The furniture also was old and solid, with -little of the modern superfluities to lighten it up. It was a -comfortable house, but not one where youth would be likely to bud out -with exuberance. - -Both Mr Raymond and his austere sister suited the appointments of the -house. She was an elderly spinster, stiff, precise, and most severely -orderly. He was a sharp-faced man, who appeared wedded to his legal -documents, and possessing a mind never far out of his office. - -It was late in the afternoon when our heroes arrived, and, after -spending a few hours in the society of their host and hostess, they were -not sorry when bedtime came. - -"There is no good lingering here any longer than we can help, lads," -said Ned on retiring. "Tomorrow I intend to tackle old Raymond, and see -what he purposes doing for us." - -That night the lawyer had a final look over the papers relating to the -affairs of his late client, Mr Romer. He did this after the boys and -his household had retired and behind locked doors. - -A fox-like man of about fifty Mr Jabez was, with thin hair and side -whiskers, originally dark red, but now grizzled and grey. Much poring -over documents had reddened his eyelids and sharp long nose, and taken -the red out of his long parchment-like jaws. His mouth was thin-lipped -and wide, which gave him an unpleasant grin when he smiled, as he was -doing now, his eyes also were yellow speckled, like Fred Weldon's, but, -unlike Fred's open eyes, they were shifty and half hidden by the -reddened, scantily lashed lids. - -"Hum, these will do, I think. It is not at all likely that this boy -will dispute my accounts or ask outside aid to understand these -professional mysteries. I'll have it over tomorrow with him, while he -is eager to get away, and make him a liberal offer, to be rid of him at -once and for ever." - -It will be seen from this muttered soliloquy inside the door of Mr -Jabez Raymond's study that he was of the same mind as his -unsophisticated ward--to get into and over business as rapidly as -possible. - -Next morning, therefore, after the customary breakfast of bacon and -eggs, he forestalled Ned by asking the three boys into his sanctum. - -"I intended to postpone going into particulars respecting your late -father's affairs until you had gained your majority, Mr Edward; but as -you have already mapped out your career, I think it will meet your views -if I do so at once." - -He grinned, what he considered to be an indulgent smile upon the young -gentlemen, while instinctively they wished he had not done so; that -widening of his thin mouth somehow spoilt the effect of his words. - -"I do not suppose you have any desire to go very deeply into your family -history. Yet you had best glance over these documents after I have told -you briefly their contents, and see how at present your fortune stands." - -"Your word will be quite sufficient, Mr Raymond," replied Ned, hastily. -"My father trusted you, and that is quite enough for me." - -The lawyer once more grinned, and spread out his hands in a deprecating -fashion, as he answered-- - -"You must not do this, my young friend, with every one you meet, or you -may live to regret it. Your poor, noble, and generous-hearted father -trusted too many people for his own welfare and those coming after him, -otherwise I should have had more satisfactory accounts to give you." - -"Yet if others deceived him, I am sure you could not, Mr Raymond." - -"Thank you, Edward. I may say that I have tried my utmost to prove a -just and faithful steward, but alas! I found matters in a sad muddle, -which have taken me all your years to disentangle; even now the -unpleasant task is far from being done. Listen, and I'll try to give -you a summary of how you stand." Clarence and Fred were moving off -towards the window, thinking that they had no right to listen to these -private disclosures, when Mr Jabez stopped them. - -"Please sit down and listen also, young gentlemen. Four heads are -better than two, even although one happens to be that of a lawyer, in a -business of this kind. Besides, we may require you as witnesses." - -The two bowed and returned to their chairs. - -"When your father inherited the Romer estates, Edward, he was, as you -are, an only child, and, like you, had been left early an orphan. - -"My predecessors, Messrs. Skinner and Bland, had been the family -solicitors of your grandfather, and although the property was a -wide-spreading one, with many prosperous farms upon it, yet it had been -considerably mortgaged for the two past generations. - -"Ostensibly your father's income was eight thousand, but really, at the -date of his succession, six thousand five hundred of this went yearly to -pay the interest of the old mortgages. - -"This was bad enough, yet it might have been improved with care, -economy, and a wealthy marriage. Your dear, chivalrous father, however, -did not come from a cheese-paring race, and he was too noble to sell -himself for money." - -"Dear father," murmured Ned. He was too young at that father's death to -remember what he was like, but this testimony to his generous and -disinterested nature touched a kindred chord in the boy's heart. - -"Ah, yes!" continued the lawyer, softly. "You were too young to -remember what your father was like, yet in outward appearance you -resemble him, and doubtless you have the same fine and gentlemanly -disregard for money. It runs in the blood." - -As Ned did not reply, Mr Jabez went on-- - -"Some, as I have said, might have tried by marriage or strict economy to -better their condition. But Mr Romer did neither. He married the lady -of his choice, who had nothing; then, after marriage, he kept up the old -style at Romer Court. - -"After a few years his income had dwindled down to nine hundred, and -then he tried, by speculating, to regain what he had lost. His -speculations were not lucky ones. The friends he trusted failed him at -the finish, so that when he died, twelve months after your mother, he -was responsible for more than the small income left him, and had only -mortgaged property to leave behind, a large number of personal debts, -and nothing else to leave." - -"Then where did the money come from to keep me all these years at -school, Mr Raymond?" Asked Ned, quickly. - -The lawyer flushed a brickly flush as he answered--"Well, I am coming to -that subject, my dear young friend. When I undertook your father's -affairs, I went to work energetically and justly, yet without -sentiment--lawyers do not work often in that vein. I mastered the debts -of honour and the extent of the mortgages, and managed to scrape -sufficient to pay for your education." - -"Then there is nothing left for me?" Asked Ned, blankly. - -"Softly, softly, my dear boy. In ten or twelve years from now I hope, -D.V., to have a good balance for you at the bank, and an income of five -or six hundred pounds for you. I have almost settled all the personal -debts, and am now working to reduce the mortgages." - -"Yes. But how about the present? Can I not realise any money?" - -"I have made some arrangements with my own bank, and can let you have a -lump sum of say five hundred pounds on your note of hand, only if I do -this it will mean drawing your income until you are of age." - -"I am quite willing to sign any document you like if you can do this -without inconveniencing yourself, Mr Romer," said Ned, eagerly. - -Mr Jabez Raymond gazed upon his ward for a few moments silently, while -he appeared to think. Then he spoke. - -"It is not exactly professional; but as you wish to try your fortune in -Africa, while from all reports, Africa is the coming land for -fortune-making, I think it can be done. I wish you first to read over -carefully these documents, in which all I have told you is written, and -also examine carefully this parchment, which I have drawn up for you to -sign--examine them and consult together about them. When you have done -this, if you decide to have the money down now, instead of drawing it -quarterly for the next four years, you can let me know on my return at -lunch-time." - -Mr Jabez rose as he said these words, and leaving the boys to study the -pile of parchment, he went out to attend to his other business. - -They had been accustomed to difficult problems at Dr Heardman's -Academy, but those were simple to solve compared to the understanding of -these legally obscured documents. After a long hour of bewilderment, -Ned laid them down respectfully in a heap, and turned dolefully upon his -trusty but equally befogged comrades. - -"Well, boys, what do you make out of these mysteries?" - -"Nothing, except a dry throat and an aching head," replied Clarence -Raybold. - -"Let's go for a walk, and get some gooseberries. I'm not going to -attempt the impossible," cried Ned, decidedly. - -This proposal was grateful to the others, so together they went out to -the sun, and enjoyed themselves till lunch-time. After lunch the lawyer -read over the document which required the signature of Ned. It sounded -all right, although terribly garnished with obscure phrases. There were -blank spaces to be afterwards filled up, such as the amounts received, -with the terms of repayment, dates, and conditions, which Mr Jabez -explained as he read in his most fatherly tones. - -It sounded all right, therefore Ned put his name boldly at the bottom in -the presence of Miss Priscilla Raymond and his two friends, who -afterwards signed theirs as witnesses. - -This document dried, and locked with other papers into Mr Raymond's -safe, the lawyer drew a cheque in his own name and went to the bank to -get it cashed. - -CHAPTER FOUR. - -STEPHANUS GROBLAAR. - -Five hundred pounds seemed a big fortune to the three young adventurers, -who had hitherto been more than passing wealthy on an odd -half-sovereign. It was a vast sum to think about, and its possibilities -seemed limitless. - -They felt likewise, as they talked over matters, that appearances were -unjustly against Mr Jabez Raymond, and how his face and manners belied -his real nature. If he had the face of a fox, and that peculiarly -slinking manner generally ascribed to false natures and treacherous -dogs, his present actions all went to prove that he was entirely the -opposite to what these outward signs betokened. Ned remembered how the -ancient physiognomist had misread the great Socrates; and how the good -philosopher confirmed his opinion, by telling his disciples that he -might have been the degraded being the physiognomist said he was, but -for his power of self-restraint. Perhaps Mr Jabez Raymond had the gift -of Socrates, and had mastered his original tendencies. If, therefore, -he looked and grinned like a wily fox, while he listened to their plans, -and heard them joy over their store of cash, he certainly showed that he -had full faith in their discretion by placing this large sum so freely -at their disposal. He also exhibited the active side of his -appreciation and sympathy by aiding them in every way that he could. - -Indeed, older heads than theirs might have been a little surprised at -the extraordinary zeal he showed in advancing them on their journey. He -devoted himself so entirely to the lads during their short stay at his -house, that more experienced people might have grown suspicious. - -But to the young fellows, this exclusive attention, which prevented them -from talking with any one outside the lawyer's household--this eager -zeal that made him accompany them to London and attend to their comfort -while there, were so many signs that he was their best friend and -well-wisher. - -Their first unpleasant impressions faded quickly away, and they even -forgot to shiver before that long and crafty grin. Why should any man -be distrusted because at times he may remind one of a beast of some -kind, when his acts are those of a benefactor? It is by their actions -people prove themselves, not by their looks. Mr Jabez Raymond took one -of his rare holidays from business and accompanied them to London. - -He took them to a staid and respectable inn in Holborn, and went with -them to the best theatres, music-halls, and picture-galleries during the -week. On Sunday he took them to hear two of the most celebrated -preachers. - -During the day he accompanied them to the shops where outfits were to be -had, and insisted on getting for them the best that could be purchased, -paying for everything himself without a murmur. They had considered him -to be a hard man at first sight, but now they were forced to alter their -opinions when they witnessed his generosity. - -He introduced them to the Dutch agent of a big South African firm at the -Cape, who was called Johannes Groblaar, and who not only gave them much -sage advice, but told them that his nephew was going out in the next -steamship, and would accompany them if they liked. This friendly offer -they gladly accepted, as Stephanus Groblaar was a native of Pretoria, -and knew the country thoroughly. Thus they found everything made easy -for them at the start by this benevolent and generous guardian, and -after a pleasant sojourn of eight days in London, they bade farewell to -Mr Raymond at the East India Docks, and prepared to enjoy three weeks' -sea-voyage as saloon passengers. - -Everything they could think about, even their passage-money, had been -paid from the purse of Mr Raymond, in spite of their protests, and they -were carrying their store of funds untouched. By this time their hearts -were completely won, and they vowed that old Raymond was a jolly fine -fellow. - -This jolly fine fellow stood on the deck until the bell rang for the -tender to return. He rubbed his lean hands together when not engaged -spreading one hand over his wide mouth to cover a yawn. Then, with a -hearty handshake, he returned to the train, while the steamship -proceeded on her voyage. - -To amuse himself on the journey back, he took out his pocket-book and -added up the expenses he had been put to for the young gentlemen. - -The grin had left his jaws at the last wave of his handkerchief. He now -looked grim, yet on the whole not dissatisfied. - -"Priscilla will grumble at the large outlay," he muttered; "but it was -necessary to keep the young cub in a proper mood, and leave a good -impression. Now he can have no suspicions, and I have four years to -turn myself about, even if he ever comes back to claim his own, which is -extremely doubtful." - -Ned Romer was going away full of faith and loving-kindness towards this -knave who had been robbing him systematically for years. What he had -given had not been a quarter's interest on the money due to Ned, -therefore no wonder that he felt it needful to expend this sum-- -particularly with that document in his possession. - -The trusting father had left him entire control of the estate, with the -possession of all papers and deeds; thus he had not many fears about his -peculations being discovered. The parchment which Ned had signed was -really a deed of sale of all that he had inherited from his father. -Being a minor, it was as yet useless in a legal sense, but as the dates -were not yet added, Mr Raymond was prepared to advance these dates by -four years, if what he expected happened. If Ned added his bones to the -number of those who had left them in the wilds of that fatal country, -this could easily be done without any dispute. Indeed, Mr Jabez would -hardly require any deed to step into the property which he had already -marked out as his own. Yet possible heirs might turn up unexpectedly, -and it would quash their claims. If Ned returned, more wide-awake than -he had left, the wily lawyer had all these years to prepare for him. - -"I don't think this cub will come back, and it is not likely that he -will make name enough for his death to be much noticed." - -Mr Jabez Raymond belonged to the singular sect of Bedlitonians, and -amongst them he was a shining light as a local preacher. The thought of -what he had done, and what he planned, did not disturb his conscience in -the least. He possessed the not uncommon quality of being able to -separate business entirely from religion; therefore the following Sunday -evening he preached a very edifying sermon to his brethren, and went -home to sister Priscilla as full of rectitude and self-righteousness as -any local preacher could be. Humanity is crammed with such anomalies. - -Stephanus Groblaar, the new companion and shipmate of our heroes, was a -pleasant and affable young Boer of about twenty-two. As a specimen of -his countrymen, he impressed them most favourably. - -He was straw-haired and grey-eyed, with skin suntanned to a warm amber -tint. Tall, burly, yet well formed, he was a picture of rude strength -and solid resolution. In repose, his heavy features gave him rather a -morose appearance, however. - -But he could be very frank and engaging when he liked, and as he set -himself to win the friendship of the young men, it was not long before -he did so. - -They passed a very pleasant time going to the Cape, and the river and -coast scenery made them decide to keep diaries. - -These diaries began all right with a description of the river Thames and -coast as far as Southampton, but long before they reached Madeira the -diaries were laid aside, and never again taken up. Jotting down -ordinary events did not appeal to our three heroes. They resolved to -give their pens a rest until they had killed their first real wild -beast. - -Stephanus Groblaar spoke to them sensibly and sagely. While they -listened to his prudent advice, they felt they could not do better than -act upon it. - -"You will find that five or six hundred pounds will not go far in -Africa. It will be best to bank it, and try to make your way without -breaking upon your capital, or rather work for money to add to it." - -"What do you think we should do?" enquired Ned. - -"Anything that turns up. I may get you a bullock team to help to drive -up to the Transvaal. That would show you a lot of the country, and give -you plenty of experience as well. It is rough a bit, and will take you -some time, but you don't mind that, I suppose?" - -"Not at all; it will train us to rough it in the wilds, and we can -afford to spend a little time getting colonial experience." - -This conversation took place between Madeira and the island of Tenerife. - -A curious, and what might have been a tragic adventure had happened to -Ned Romer just outside of Funchal, while they were seeing the sights of -that lovely and precipitous island of Madeira. - -The three young men had gone inland with Stephanus Groblaar. While -standing on the edge of one of the cliffs with a sheer drop of seven -hundred feet, Stephanus had suddenly made a stumble and lurched against -Ned with his full force. - -The guide, who was near at hand, saved our principal hero from a -horrible death, by what seemed like a miracle. - -Ned was just going over, when the guide caught hold of his coat-tails, -and by a sudden and powerful tug, landed him on his back over the body -of Stephanus, who had fallen on his face. - -It was a considerable shock to Ned's nerves, and he rose a little chalky -about the gills. But his pallor was nothing to that which overspread -the face of the young Boer, making his bronzed skin look like old ivory. -He shook as if he had the palsy, and for some moments could not utter a -word. When he did find his voice, his expressions of regret and -self-reproach were painful to listen to, considering that it was only an -accident. - -He said he had been seized with a sudden giddiness which he could not -account for. The guide listened to his explanation and apologies with a -stolid expression, but took good care during the rest of the journey to -keep a firm hold of his arm when they were near any dangerous ledge. - -It was while they were lying at Tenerife that the second attack of -giddiness seized Stephanus, and once more Ned was the object against -which he fell. - -A portion of the ship's rail had been removed, and Ned was standing by -the open gap, looking over the moonlit sea. - -It was a lovely night and hot. Ned had come on deck in his pyjamas to -have a cool down before turning in for the night. The deck at this part -was quite deserted, as it was past midnight. Clarence and Fred had -walked over to the engine-room, and Ned fancied that he was quite alone -at that moment. - -Suddenly he felt a violent push from behind, and next instant he was in -the sea with a splash. - -When he rose to the surface and cleared the water from his eyes, he -found a rope within reach, and very quickly clambered on board, nothing -the worse for his unexpected bath. - -In a few more moments, Stephanus Groblaar with Clarence and Fred were -also pulled up safely from the shark-infested waves. The two friends -had seen the accident which caused Ned and Stephanus to tumble -overboard, and without a pause they had sprung in also. - -It was lucky for the Boer that they did this, also that they were such -expert swimmers, as it appeared he could not swim a stroke. Indeed, he -was almost drowned before they could get hold of him. It had happened -as before, through his unfortunate giddiness; this time Ned had -instinctively made a clutch at him and pulled him over, otherwise he -might only have fallen to the deck. - -When Stephanus recovered his senses, he enquired anxiously who had saved -his life, and, when told that it was Clarence and Fred, he expressed his -gratitude in a few heartfelt words, and vowed that he would never forget -this great service. - -He also said how sorry he was to have imperilled the life of Ned, and -hoped he would forgive him. - -Ned treated the matter as a first-class joke, but told Stephanus that he -should avoid open spaces near the sea, since he could not swim, and -mountain ledges, since he could not fly. - -"For myself, I am as much at home in the water as on dry land; so also -are my chums. It was much more dangerous, however, at Madeira." - -"I trust this may be my last attack of giddiness," answered Stephanus, -huskily. "It is the extra fine living on board ship which must have -made me bilious, I think." - -"Funny, isn't it, that you should have been seized twice when near me?" -remarked Ned, unsuspiciously. - -The young Boer shot a rapid and furtive glance at Ned, but seeing how -open he looked, he smiled and held out his hand. - -"It was lucky for me both times that you were in front of me, if not so -for you. In a sense you have also saved my life, Edward Romer." - -"Not at all; only you ought to learn to swim." - -"And fly," added Fred, who was standing beside them. - -For the rest of the voyage Stephanus had no more giddy attacks, and his -young friends quickly forgot the accidents. The Boer, however, did not -forget his obligations. He was more profuse in his expressions towards -Ned; yet if quieter towards the others, he attached himself more to -them, and showed by many signs that he liked them better than he -appeared to like Ned. - -Thus the days passed pleasantly until they dropped anchor at Cape Town, -and went ashore to begin their new life. - -CHAPTER FIVE. - -AMONGST THE CAPE BOERS. - -The first week at Cape Town shook them up more than years of living in -England could have done. They had been only boys when they first -sighted Table Mountain, but in a week's time they felt and acted like -men. - -"It is a queer place, this Cape Town," observed Ned, as they walked -through the streets, and looked about them. - -It was queer because it was all so strange and new to these English-bred -lads. The sandstorm that greeted them on their landing did not surprise -the two colonial boys as it did Ned Romer. They endured the infliction -philosophically, while Ned groaned, and wished for a few moments that he -had stopped in dear old England. - -But this gust passed, and, being the first of his experience, it seemed -the worst. In a short time he became accustomed to sand, shortness of -water, and the lack of a host of conveniences which had appeared as -necessities to him at one time. - -Stephanus Groblaar continued his protection and friendship to them all -the time they were at Cape Town and its surrounding districts. He took -them to his uncle's house, and so saved them the expense of living at -any of the hotels, which was a great saving to them. - -The South Africans are a hospitable people, and the town-educated Dutch -very different from their country cousins, the Transvaal Boers. - -The lads were delighted with their reception and generous treatment. -They explored Table Mountain, and passed several happy days before they -had exhausted the sights of this ancient African capital. - -The uncle of Stephanus was the owner of a large and prosperous vineyard -in Stellenbosch, and he had half a dozen fair, plump, and lively female -cousins, ranging from seven years of age to twenty-three. Stephanus was -engaged to the second oldest, a girl of nineteen. They had also eight -brothers, all living at home and assisting in the different departments -of the wine business. - -It was, therefore, a large household, and when the day's work was over, -a merry, home-like party in the evenings. - -It seemed to the lads as if they were transported back a couple of -centuries while they rested in this vine farm. The buildings were -nearly the same age as the great oak trees that surrounded them and -shaded the roadways. The tiles and bricks with which they were built -had been made in and brought from Holland. Everything was quaint, -old-fashioned, and picturesque. The master of the house was patriarchal -with his family and servants, and the mother was a real mistress after -the good old style. - -Morning and evening the old Bible was brought out, and every one was -forced to join in the religious exercise. The master did not greatly -believe in his coloured servants having souls, yet as this had come to -be a disputed question amongst some of the advanced Boers, Van Groblaar -gave them the benefit of the doubt, and made them also attend family -worship. He was a strict and severe master with these dark-skinned -bondmen and bondwomen, yet his patriarchal system appeared to be the -right one as far as they were concerned. On this farm they did their -work much better than they would have done under the English system. - -The girls had been educated at the best Cape schools. They could play -on the piano, and had all the other accomplishments of young ladies. - -Yet this did not make them disdain household and farm work. They were -all able to milk the cows, make butter and cheese, and do all the other -duties expected from a Dutch housewife. They reserved their fancy -accomplishments for the evenings, and were up to their daily work long -before the sun rose. - -Although it was a remarkably enjoyable life which the boys led at -Stellenbosch, they quickly wearied of it, and began to long for -something more exciting. The riding lessons which they took with the -sons, and the gun practice were all very useful, yet humiliating also, -since they could never hope to compete with those born marksmen and -centaurs. It is almost impossible for a true Africander to miss his -mark or be unseated from his horse. - -As soon, therefore, as they had learnt something about the managing of -cattle and Kaffirs, and had found their way about the country, they -began to find the society of their puritanical burgher friends slightly -irksome. The charming scenery became monotonous, and the tinkle of a -piano almost as hard to endure as a barrel-organ is to some ears. - -The desire to trek had come upon them, and whenever men or boys get that -desire, no fertile oasis, no earthly paradise, can hold them back from -the desert. - -Stephanus, who was in their confidence, had a private conversation with -his uncle Groblaar, and communicated the result one morning to them as -they were moping amongst the ripening grapes. - -It was not easy for the young ladies or the stolid sons of Van Groblaar -to understand how any human being could be melancholy as long as there -was plenty to eat and drink. In their own placid minds three of the -daughters had decided that Ned, Fred, and Clarence had the makings of -very good farmers and husbands in them, and for this felt gratified to -Cousin Stephanus for bringing them. - -They were considerably startled, therefore, and not a little distressed, -when they saw how our heroes brightened up after they heard the result -of that family confab. - -The old Dutchman, who took a long time to decide upon anything, had been -persuaded to send up his yearly consignment of wines and brandy to -Johannesburg without any further delay. It would go by road as usual, -and the new comrades were to go with the waggons. - -By doing this they would see the country, while the journey would not -cost them anything. - -This offer was gladly accepted by the young men--for they were now, in -their own and the estimation of the young ladies, such. They no longer -wondered how time was to be killed, but eagerly began to prepare for the -long and slow overland journey. - -The Groblaar wines and brandy were greatly prized, and fetched big -prices everywhere in the market. In the Transvaal particularly they -were vastly appreciated. The age was to be depended upon, and the -quality; while the grower considered that the contents of these matured -hogsheads would be ruined if transported by any other mode than oxen. - -Another reason they had for going by road instead of rail. There were -numerous customers to be served en route, at places outside the line of -the railway. - -Three of the eldest sons were deputed to go on this trek along with our -heroes and Cousin Stephanus, and as they looked upon this journey as -their annual holiday, they provided themselves with everything needful -to enjoy themselves. - -Twenty teams were required to carry the stores, provisions, and -merchandise. The oxen were all specially selected, and the waggons and -drays reliable as well as strong; so that when they mounted their horses -and inspanned, they were a very smart and prosperous-looking caravan. - -Our heroes made their farewells joyously, for they were heart-whole. -They did not notice the sad looks that followed after them. Yet three -of Van Groblaar's young daughters did not display their customary -appetite at dinner that day, nor did they seem much inclined for supper -either that night. Next day, however, they all made up for their -unusual fast. - -Ned was a little surprised when he came to say good-bye to the young -lady who had given him most of her company during his stay, by her -saying to him, in a slightly tremulous voice-- - -"You are going out to a strange land, where there are many dangers. -Take care!" - -"Oh, I'll look out for number one, you bet, Miss Santa." - -"Take care of the wild-beast traps." - -"Oh yes, I know; open gaps, and that sort of thing." - -"Yes; and"--she flushed scarlet while she whispered softly--"and look -out also for Cousin Stephanus; he does not like you." - -She turned from him swiftly as she gave this warning, and ran indoors, -while he mounted his horse, wondering what she could mean. - -Then, as he rode slowly on, he recalled the accidents on the outward -voyage, with other signs which might have escaped his notice but for -this last whisper from the young Dutch maiden. He was not quite so -guileless as he had been a few months before. Whatever the reasons -were, he felt himself forced to the conclusion that Stephanus Groblaar -did not care greatly for him, although he seemed attached to his two -chums. Stephanus avoided him as much as possible while they had been on -the farm, and he had caught sundry sullen and furtive glances which -looked almost like hatred at times. - -Well, forewarned is forearmed to some extent. Ned shook the momentary -uneasiness and depression from his heart, and soon was riding along -merrily with the others. - -Not being a fool, however, he resolved to keep a wary eye on this -supposed evil-wisher, and look out for any more awkward fits. - -It is nasty for any one to feel that he is disliked, much more so if he -has done nothing to incur that disagreeable sentiment. Ned Romer was -guiltless of anything as far as he knew. He was the most generous and -happy of the party. As yet he had never entertained a single animosity -towards a human being. Everything that he saw entertained him and -provided him with amusement. He had no fear, and tried to make friends -with every one. - -Besides, he felt specially obliged, in many ways, to Stephanus Groblaar, -and therefore would have sacrificed a good deal to be his friend. - -But a new instinct had been roused in his nature by those parting words -of Santa. The first seeds of suspicion were sown in that generous soil. -This seed would grow until it destroyed the unwise trust of boyhood, -and make of him a vigilant and discriminating man in the future. Truly -he had left adolescence behind him when his horse walked under the shady -oak avenues of Stellenbosch. - -Nothing occurred, however, to mar their harmony as they moved slowly -upward through the populated portions of Cape Colony. - -Day after day went along with varying incidents and amusements. When -they were able they spent the night at some friendly settler's -homestead, and were most hospitably welcomed and entertained. These -were, without exception, Dutch farmers, and old friends of the -Groblaars, so that they saw little enough of the British members of the -community. - -They had mastered enough of the Cape Dutch and "Kitchen Kaffir" idioms -to understand what was said, as well as express themselves to be -understood by those they were so constantly thrown amongst by this time. -As every one was alike free and kind, if a bit rough and homely, they -took the most favourable impression possible of this industrious if -slow-going and bigoted race. - -It was not nice to hear Englishmen so constantly spoken about with such -contempt as a nation of cowards and oppressors; yet as the Boers gave -their opinions good-naturedly, and exhibited such an utter want of -knowledge in their statements, the lads could not help laughing also as -they listened. - -The farther up they travelled the more crassly ignorant and prejudiced -they found their hosts to be; yet, although they universally insulted -and tried to bespatter the Union Jack, they universally made their -English guests as heartily welcome as were their Dutch friends. The -rites of hospitality were most generously observed. It was not that -these Dutch Africanders were all uncouth and ignorant men and women. -The majority of them were as well and even more highly educated than are -these classes in England. A large proportion of them had likewise -travelled and seen England and the Continent. It seemed the fashion to -be prejudiced against England. They had taken their preconceived -notions along with them wherever they went, accepting only such -evidences and historical facts as suited their own side of the disputed -question. "The English are a nation of liars, and don't know much about -anything useful. They are no use anywhere, and they are almost done -for." - -This was the universal opinion of the Dutch natives of Africa, and no -argument could move them one iota. They all spoke banteringly and with -good-tempered irony, as one might speak of something settled and past -curing or dispute. They despised the English as a nation, abhorred -Cecil Rhodes, and laughed at Gladstone as a friendly old imbecile. But -they did not object to individuals. - -The boys listened and laughed with their bigoted but generous friends, -and took all this talk in the same good part. - -CHAPTER SIX. - -THE SECRET MESSAGE. - -There were many incidents on this overland journey, both humorous and -adventurous, which might have formed subjects for future talk. - -But the after events dwarfed these minor adventures so completely that -they were hardly ever mentioned. - -Small game was plentiful on some of the open parts, and afforded them -good enough sport after a tame fashion. Here the Dutchmen displayed -their wonderful skill as marksmen, and won unqualified admiration and -respect. When they saw the unfailing and deadly precision of that -shooting, and how little lead was wasted, the lads no longer felt any -surprise at the surrender of Dr Jameson at Krugersdorp. Surrounded as -he had been by such sharpshooters, he had not a chance of holding out, -almost shelterless as he was. The Dutchmen were all mightily proud of -the achievements of their friends in the Transvaal, and not at all -delicate in their boasting. They were never tired of hearing and -speaking about "Bronkhurst Spruit," "Laing's Nek," and "Majuba Hill," as -well as this latest defeat at Krugersdorp. As for Johannesburg and its -craven citizens, long before the lads saw this golden city of the veldt, -its degradation had been forced deep into their hearts by this -contemptuous banter. - -Stephanus Groblaar altered his manner in a most marked degree as they -progressed up the country. On the voyage out and at Cape Town he had -seemed one of the most advanced and liberal-minded of young Boers. He -even appeared to take the part of the Uitlanders then, and thus had won -their respect and confidence. - -But now he became the loudest and most insulting of the despisers and -denouncers of everything British. He lost the small amount of humour -that he seemed to have possessed, and which his franker cousins still -retained, and grew savage instead of bantering in his expressions. - -He was returning home to Pretoria, after two years of social intercourse -with Englishmen, as full of race hatred as any of his untravelled -countrymen. - -Clarence Raybold saw this new phase with silent surprise, and listened -to his exasperating observations with tightly closed mouth and lowering -eyes. - -At last one night matters were brought to a crisis. They had crossed -the Vaal river, and were outspanning on the open veldt. - -Eight of their heavy-laden teams were all that remained with them. The -contents of the other twelve drays had been disposed of on the way up, -and the teams sent down the country again with chance loads. The eldest -of Santa's brothers alone remained with the young men and Stephanus to -look after the Transvaal business. He was a stolid, good-natured -fellow, who did his utmost to keep peace in the camp, and turn his -cousin's ill-timed remarks into jokes. - -But Stephanus seemed bent on a quarrel that night, although with whom it -was not easy to say. - -Clarence seemed to feel the insults the most keenly. Ned Romer, -however, sat quietly, and watched the young Boer while he listened and -waited. For the first time a strong desire to measure his strength with -this Dutchman came upon him--the kind of desire that young Zulus have -when they want to wash their virgin spears. - -A full moon shone over their heads and lighted up the level landscape -with pale but vivid distinctness. - -"Well," at last observed Clarence, with a lisping drawl; he always spoke -slow and lazy-like when primed up for fighting--"well, not being in -Johannesburg during the time you speak about, Stephanus Groblaar, I -cannot contradict you as to the colour of their flag; yet if I had been, -I think I'd have done my best, young as I am, to show that there was an -equal mixture of red and blue as well as white about it." - -"Hold on till you get to Pretoria. There we make Uitlanders walk with -Kaffirs in the middle of the street." - -"Is this the rule in Pretoria?" asked Ned, gently. - -"Yes, for the like of you; and we'll make them do the same in -Johannesburg before we have done with them," cried Stephanus, turning on -Ned with an ugly scowl. - -"Nonsense. I always like the side path, and I shall use that wherever I -am," answered Ned, laughing. - -"Will you? Why, curs like you could not use this veldt as you like -unless with our permission, far less the sides of our streets." - -"Ah, indeed, Mr Groblaar," said Ned, rising to his feet slowly. "Is -there any particular portion of this place that you as a free burgher -might prohibit tonight?" - -"Yes; I defy you to pass me now." - -They were all standing now with the exception of the cousin Groblaar, -who lay on his back snoring. - -"Wait a moment, Ned," said Clarence, softly. "I think Stephanus only -meant to stop me from walking past him." - -"No," growled the Boer; "I did not mean you. I don't want to interfere -with you, nor with Fred either, for you are both colonial born and bred. -It is this cur of a John Bull that I'd teach to keep his place." - -"Good," answered Ned. "Then this cur of a John Bull accepts your -gentlemanly challenge, and will show you that he knows his place, and -that place is, whatever spot of the earth he finds it expedient for the -advance of civilisation to tread upon." - -He walked steadily up to the Boer with his arms held limply down; then, -before the other could put up his fists, Ned suddenly gripped him and -sent him sprawling some feet away, while he stood where Stephanus had -been. - -"This is Imperial ground, you Dutch Boer, upon which the Lion of Britain -permits your people to play for the present." - -It was a grand speech, which Ned felt proud to give voice to, and which -his chums cheered. Another clear voice behind them cried, "Bravo, young -cub!" but none looked round to hear who spoke. Stephanus did not give -them time for that. - -With a hoarse roar he picked himself up, and made the rush like a -wounded buffalo. He was a powerful young man come to his full strength, -whereas Ned Romer was only ripening. - -But he was heavily built, and slow in his movements in spite of his -rage. He had not had the training nor discipline which Ned could boast -of; and lastly, he had been drinking "Cape smoke" that day, which -rendered him stupid and careless. Possibly also the overweening conceit -and insolence of his race made him contemptuous of this slender lad. - -Ned, on the other hand, was in splendid condition, as lithe and agile as -a young panther, and as quick in the glance as he was active and cool. -The past three months of horse exercise and open-air life had made his -muscles like steel. - -As Stephanus rushed upon him with swollen features and blood-charged -eyes, Ned waited quietly; then, with a sudden spring aside, he shot out -one fist, and landed the Dutchman a thumper on the bridge of his nose, -which caused him to see a perfect flare of fireworks, while it made him -stagger in his tracks. - -For an instant he paused, and put up both hands to his bruised organ; -then as he turned once more and removed his hands, a dark stream burst -from his nostrils, and deluged his chin and shirt-front. - -"First blood, and well drawn," cried the clear voice again. "Go it, my -hearty; you have shown him the red, let him have the blue next stroke." - -Fred and Clarence glanced round, to see a tall, broad-chested stranger -in a light suit and soft felt hat standing behind them, with his horse -beside him and its bridle over his arm. - -As he spoke Ned got in his second blow, and as the stranger had advised, -smote his adversary higher up and right between the eyes. It was a -loud-sounding smash, which completely blinded Stephanus, and made it -apparent to all the onlookers that he had received his blue badge. - -"These will be pretty peepers tomorrow morning," said the stranger; -then, making a hasty step forward, he raised his heavy riding-whip, as -he exclaimed, "Ha! you would show the white next, you treacherous dog, -would you? Drop that knife instantly." - -As he spoke he brought the stock of his whip smartly upon the wrist of -Stephanus, causing him to utter a loud yell, while his glittering -sheath-knife dropped gleaming to the ground. Holding his damaged wrist -with one hand, the Transvaaler staggered blindly back, and abandoned the -field to the calm and victorious Ned. - -"He has had enough of your fists, young man, for the present, I expect, -only be on your guard with him for the future. Boers don't forget -blows, neither do they care much about fighting in the open. He will -try a bead on you next from behind a kopje." - -He was an immense figure of a man who had come out of the veldt so -unexpectedly, considerably over six feet in height and broad in -proportion. His skin was ruddy, with bold features, light, keen eyes, -and he wore a small, fair moustache. As the boys looked at him, they -each thought they had seen him somewhere before, but where they could -not at the time remember. There was about him an air of kingly -authority which fascinated them. - -"Have you any coffee left?" he asked gently. - -Clarence went instantly to the half-empty billy at the fire, and brought -a pannikin filled. The stranger took it with a nod, and slowly sipped -the contents, looking at them scrutinisingly as he drank. - -Cousin Groblaar still lay sleeping heavily within the shadow of one of -the waggons. Stephanus had moved away to some considerable distance to -brood over his defeat and bathe his eyes and nose at a water-hole. The -Kaffirs were also sound asleep on their side of the fire, therefore they -had this contested part of the veldt to themselves. - -"You managed that onslaught in very good style, my lad, and have made -for yourself a pretty dangerous enemy, or I am much mistaken in my -reading of faces." - -"An avowed enemy is better than a secret one, sir, and I have good -reasons to suspect Stephanus Groblaar of being one before this night," -replied Ned. - -"Ah, Groblaar is his name! Any friend of Groblaar, the vine-grower, of -Stellenbosch?" - -"His nephew, sir. Yonder lies his son asleep." - -"Let him sleep," said the stranger, hastily. "Then the young man you -punished must be the son of Burgher Groblaar, of Pretoria?" - -"I believe so, sir. At least, his home is in that city," answered Ned. - -"Hum! thanks for this information. Then take my advice, part company -with this Stephanus Groblaar as soon as possible, and also--don't air -those Imperial ideas too freely when you are going to Johannesburg. -They are not fashionable there at present." - -"I will never hear my nation insulted without resenting it, sir," -replied Ned, boldly. - -"Better swallow insult than run the risk of imprisonment." - -"No, sir; I cannot endorse that sentiment." - -"It is the sentiment generally held by the Transvaal Uitlanders." - -"I do not care. It shall never be mine." - -"Nor mine!" "Nor mine!" cried Fred and Clarence in chorus. - -"Good lads," said the stranger, in feeling tones, holding out his large -hand to our heroes, who grasped it by turns. "I like you for your pluck -and freshness. Tell me your names, so that I may remember them if I can -serve you at any time." - -The lads at once produced their cards and presented them. The stranger -smiled humorously as he took the paste-boards. - -"Ah, you are fresh from England, I see. All the better. You will see -some sad and humbling sights in Johannesburg. But keep up your pluck, -and don't forget that you are sons of a mighty nation of free men." - -"Depend upon it we shall never do that, so long as the great Cecil -Rhodes stays in Africa, at any rate." The stranger started, and a dusky -tint seemed to overspread his face. Then he smiled and looked at the -cards. - -"Edward Romer! I knew a Paul Romer, of Devonshire." - -"That was my father, sir." - -"Indeed! Then I must do something for you. Clarence Raybold. Ah, I -know your father, if he lives at Johannesburg." - -"He does, sir," answered Clarence. - -The stranger looked at Fred with the others intently and silently for a -few moments, then he drew nearer to Ned. - -"You can save me a journey tonight, young Romer, for I think I can -depend upon you as well as upon your companions." - -"I trust you can, sir," replied Ned, modestly. - -"On your discretion as well as your loyalty and courage?" - -"I hope so, sir." - -"Then I shall trust you." - -He glanced round, and seeing the veldt clear and Stephanus still by the -water-hole, he pulled a leaf from his pocket-book, and wrote something -hastily upon it. This small note he folded up and addressed, then he -gave it to Ned. - -"Put that inside your boot, and keep it there until you reach -Johannesburg. When you arrive there, look at the address, and deliver -it to the person it is for. You will find him easily. Meantime, be -secret about it, and show it to no one except the person it is for. -Much depends on its safe delivery--more on it not being taken from you -or lost on the way. If you carry it safely, you will have rendered your -country and the man you appear to admire a great, a very great, -service." - -He sprang on his horse as he spoke, and, taking his hat off, waved it to -them as he rode swiftly away. - -"Remember that you are trusted by Cecil Rhodes. So long. We shall meet -again." - -He was off at a gallop, while our heroes looked after horse and man with -open mouths. - -"What a slice of luck, Ned! Who could have expected it?" whispered Fred -and Clarence, as soon as they recovered from their astonishment. - -Ned did not reply. Kneeling down he took off his boot, and secreted the -precious bit of paper inside; then he rose up with a bright and proud -light gleaming in his eyes. - -"It is, indeed, a piece of luck which we must all try to live up to," he -said at length, in a solemn voice. "My first skirmish with a Boer has -resulted in an easy victory, and it has been witnessed by the greatest -hero who lives. Let us hail it as a good omen." - -CHAPTER SEVEN. - -IN JOHANNESBURG. - -Stephanus Groblaar did not patronise the camp. Either he was too much -ashamed or too sulky to show himself so soon after his ignominious -defeat. While our heroes remained awake, his distant figure could still -be seen bending over the waterhole. - -After that frustrated and cowardly attempt to draw his knife upon Ned -Romer, even Fred Weldon, who had been the most friendly disposed towards -him, gave him up. Neither English nor colonial-bred Britons could take -the hand of a would-be assassin. All the instincts of their race are -against this, as they are against using the feet in a fight. Only a -Spaniard can endorse the one weapon, and a Frenchman tolerate the other -mode of getting an advantage. Spaniards stab, Frenchmen kick, and cats -scratch when they quarrel; Englishmen clench their fists and strike, or -grip and throw. - -Inspired by the charge which had been given to them by their illustrious -visitor, and influenced by his timely warning, our heroes resolved to -part company with Stephanus and his cousin as soon as possible. -Meantime, to ward against possible treachery, they also resolved to be -watchful and wary. Therefore it was agreed that, while two slept, one -would keep guard over the waggon. This they did by turns faithfully -until they reached Johannesburg. - -Stephanus came to the waggon about midnight, while Fred was on duty. He -did not speak to Fred, nor did he go inside, but ordered one of the -Kaffirs, whom he roused up for the purpose, to bring out a rug for him. -With this he sullenly retired to the shelter of one of the wine-drays, -and there he spent the night. He was taking his beating in a nasty and -Boer-like spirit. - -In the morning he appeared at breakfast wearing a large pair of -smoke-coloured sun-spectacles, and his nose considerably enlarged. He -did not make any remarks about the preceding evening, and his -good-natured and unobservant cousin never noticed that there was -anything amiss. The boys took their cue from this sulky Dutchman, and -made no allusion to it either. - -As they were about to inspan, a party of armed burghers came on the -scene, and gave them a foretaste of what they had to expect during their -stay in the Transvaal. - -They represented the mounted police, or border tax-collectors. Well -mounted and armed to the teeth, they rode in and delayed the start for a -couple of hours, while they examined every packet most thoroughly. - -They were particularly rude and insolent to the three young Uitlanders, -tumbling their packages about roughly, and scattering the contents over -the ground in a reckless and wanton manner, as if desirous of destroying -what they could not seize. All the ammunition and arms they took -possession of, telling the young men that they would be sent on to -Johannesburg, where, if they could gain permission from the authorities -there, they might get them, or part of them, returned. - -The police gave no promise, however, neither did they favour them with -any list of what they had taken. In fact, as the boys felt, with raging -hearts, they were being treated exactly like prisoners in an enemy's -country. They were fleeced and left utterly defenceless, with the -exception of their belt-knives. - -This was all the harder to bear when they saw that Stephanus and his -cousin were permitted to retain their rifles, revolvers, and cartridges. -It was privileges for the Boer, and none for the Uitlander. - -They protested against this gross injustice, but were told roughly that -they ought to be thankful that they were not taken in charge for -bringing arms of any kind into the country. Also, to their indignation, -they were subjected to a close personal search, and every paper they had -in their pockets opened and read. Ned now understood why he had been -told to place that missive inside his boot, for even their shirts were -felt over to see that they had nothing concealed inside. They were -certainly at last inside a land of suspicion and gross tyranny. - -"So this is the result of democracy," said Ned, with a bitter laugh. "I -suppose every man here is either a tyrant, a traitor, or a spy." - -"Take heed what you say, young fellow," grunted one of the Boer -policemen. "Remember you are not in England now, but in a country where -wagging tongues are silenced pretty quickly." - -"Ah! you need not remind me that I am not in England. Your actions have -proved conclusively that we are subject to the glorious laws of the -Republic. By Jove, though, I wonder what my countrymen would say if a -foreigner was treated to this usage in England? Oh my! wouldn't there -be a public conflagration!" - -"We are free men here." - -"You are, whatever your visitors may be." - -The policeman looked at Ned with a suspicious and most unfriendly scowl. - -"Are you going to stay long in the Transvaal, younker?" he asked. - -"I don't think so. Why?" - -"Because I fancy, if you were, that you would be likely to spend most of -your time in the tronk and the stocks. That is where your sort mostly -find a home here." - -Ned prudently did not reply. His shirt had been examined and his -pockets turned out. He did not want to have to unlace his boots next. - -"I'll report that younker as a dangerous character. Keep an eye on him -as you go along," cried the chief to the Groblaars, as he rode off with -his men. - -Stephanus took no part in this conversation, while his cousin only -chuckled good-naturedly, as if it were a good joke. He was an -easy-going fellow, and did not let anything trouble him much beyond the -keeping of the wine cool and the oxen in good condition. - -It was about four o'clock the third afternoon after this that they -lumbered into Johannesburg amidst a cloud of dust, and unharnessed for -the last time together. - -Our heroes said good-bye with all friendliness to the vine-grower's son; -and with a cold word or two to the still sullen Stephanus, they went off -together to the house of Clarence Raybold, senior. - -Taking it all through, their journey up-country had been an educating -and a pleasant one. They had passed through a prosperous land, full of -variety and strangeness. They had met all sorts of people, both white -and coloured, and every description of pastures. They were brown with -the fierce sun and covered with the white dust, and totally changed, -outwardly and inwardly, from the schoolboys who left England such a -little time ago. - -They had killed puff adders and other deadly snakes on their way, and -had got over their shuddering horror for those obnoxious reptiles. They -had also seen the best side of the Boer character, and had commenced to -experience the other side--the Boer in power, with their countrymen -under his feet. - -It was a new and a disagreeable experience to those proud young Britons -to find their countrymen in the condition of serfs and door-mats, with -clumsy and ignorant clowns tramping over them ruthlessly. As they -walked through the streets of Johannesburg, and saw at every step -evidences of the misrule of that hypocritical and false tyrant, Kruger, -they felt a natural and deep disgust towards the Englishmen who had -permitted such a condition of things to exist. - -They met gangs of Boers swaggering about fully armed, and jeering at the -unarmed citizens. They saw Britons, or what looked like their -countrymen, sneaking about and meekly eating the leek. Their generous -young blood boiled within them as they looked up at the guns which the -hoary tyrant of the Transvaal had planted on the fort to overawe the -city. They felt as if they were inside the walls of a big prison, and -every instinct within them moved towards rebellion. - -From the moment they caught sight of that fort, with the guns dominating -the streets, they were filled with a hatred towards the Boers and a -quenchless desire for slaughter. - -"I wonder what our people out here are made of to stand this sort of -thing?" murmured Ned, as he looked at his chums' blazing eyes. "Surely -some of them have enough of the old blood left to risk it for the sake -of liberty." - -"I'll not be able to stand it long," answered Clarence, with a -deep-drawn breath. - -"Nor can I," said Fred. - -"It will be a lark if we are destined to light the spark," continued -Ned, musingly. "I think we could get over these walls some dark night -without much trouble. Oh, let's get on, boys, or I'll be after having a -try now," he added impatiently, as he strode hastily forward. - -"There, now, who do you think you are shoving against?" he cried -angrily, as he ran against a pair of burghers who were coming round a -corner. - -It was Ned who had been at fault in his haste. In any other place he -would have apologised, but seeing that they were Boers, he pushed them -off the footpath and then turned to abuse them. It was the natural -protest of a free man against unaccustomed tyranny. With those Krupp -guns behind them, politeness looked like submission and fear. -Fortunately for the safety of that billet in Ned's boot, which he had -for the moment forgotten, these burghers were good-tempered and stolid -Dutchmen, who didn't mind either a push or a cross word. They merely -laughed boisterously, and passed on their way. - -Now, Ned felt both aggrieved and rebuked by the good nature of these -Boers, who doubtless considered him to be a foolhardy fellow rendered -extra brave through "Cape smoke." Then he remembered his charge, and -became utterly ashamed of his uncalled-for rudeness. He would have run -after the burghers and apologised, only that might have made matters -worse; besides, they had both gone into some building. - -"That is not how Cecil Rhodes acted when he was being badgered by some -of the commissioners, nor what he advised," Ned muttered to himself, as -he bent his head with shame. "I must try to remember always that I am a -gentleman, and not act like a clown." - -At this moment Clarence proposed taking a cab, as the easiest and -quickest mode of finding out his father's house. - -Mr Raybold was one of the prominent citizens, and the moment the Jehu -heard his name he knew where to drive to. - -"You have most chance of finding him at his private residence, if you -want to see Mr Raybold personally." - -"Yes," answered Clarence. "Drive us straight there." - -What a wonderful city this was, which had grown from nothing within the -last six years! Grown up also in the teeth of as much discouragement -and injustice as ever civilisation had to encounter, from narrow -prejudice, extortion, and bigotry. - -Our heroes drove along streets fifty and ninety feet in width, with -trams running through them, and massive, handsome shops lining them, -with plate-glass windows, looking for all the world like some of the -best West End London shops. - -It was a city where money was spent with lavish prodigality. There were -crowds of flash hotels and clubs, and more than the ordinary number of -low public-houses and canteens, every one crowded with thirsty -customers. - -They passed banks, stores, and palatial-looking offices, with electric -globes and gas lamps ranged over them. They passed crowds of -fashionably dressed men and women, all seemingly busy and lively enough. -In spite of those earthworks and guns which covered them wherever they -went; in spite of the constantly blazoned fact that they were completely -at the mercy of their armed masters, who patrolled the city as warders -do a penal settlement,--they were allowed to earn and spend as much -money as they pleased, after paying the exorbitant taxes, dress as they -please, and drink what they could pay for. - -But they had no more civic rights than convicts or slaves have. They -had no means to defend their women or children from insult. The male -portion wore beards and dressed like men, but they were only men in -outward appearance. They might as well have had chains upon their -wrists and ankles. They were voluntary slaves and shadow citizens. -They were just what their rude masters called them--Uitlanders--and on -the same level as the vanquished and down-trodden Kaffirs. - -Yet they called themselves British, afraid as they were to show the Flag -of England or to sing the National Anthem; all they could do was to -dress, drink, and make money, and, like the servile clients of ancient -Rome, bend their supple backs to their arrogant and uncouth patrons, and -thank them for permission to live. Sixty thousand souls who had been -born free, for the sake of gold bent the knee before sixteen thousand -uncultivated retarders of civilisation. - -Their condition was ten times worse than that of the Scots when Edward -enslaved them with his overpowering hosts. More degrading, because they -were children of the nineteenth century, who had consented to be driven -by a race who had not advanced past the benighted and rusty prejudices -of the dark ages of bigotry and superstition. More shameful, since they -outnumbered their tyrants five times over. No wonder that these Boers -regarded Britons with contempt, and the Empire as a fallen tree. - -CHAPTER EIGHT. - -MR PHILIP MARTIN. - -England was powerless to help the Uitlanders as long as they chose to -remain inert and submissive under the yoke. Dr Jameson and his -dauntless band had demonstrated that no outside heroism could lift the -yoke from their shoulders while they bent beneath it so passively. Only -from their own ranks must the Wallace and the Bruce rise to free them. - -Ned and his chums had already read some of the literature of these -Uitlanders, explaining and excusing themselves for their inaction during -the Raid, or even supporting the tyrants in their oppression. These -books and pamphlets had, before they reached the country, made them -grind their teeth with fury. Fancy a Wallace and a Bruce waiting for -the sanction of the Government before they took up their swords! Fancy -their supporters waiting for permission before they rose to help their -heroes! - -Our heroes, although consuming with those high-souled ideas which all -brave and romantic boys must feel, and which the men of Johannesburg had -apparently outgrown, still watched with wonder the mighty edifices they -passed. - -Their wonder increased as they came to the suburbs, and saw the avenues -and tall, shady trees which had all sprung up like magic out of the bare -veldt--stately groves, over a hundred feet in height, all created in six -years; beautiful gardens, luxuriant shrubberies, costly and artistic -villas, grassy lawns, orchards, and tropic climbers covering up -unsightly places with cool and exquisite loveliness. It was as if -Aladdin had rubbed his magic lamp, and lo! his enslaved genius had done -the trick. - -The Uitlanders were the enslaved genii that had wrought this miracle -upon that treeless veldt. Their civilised skill and educated intellects -had accomplished what would have taken centuries to achieve under the -Boer system. Yet the ignorant Boers were the masters, and ruled over -intellect and civilisation. This, to our heroes, seemed even more -incongruous and wonderful than the marvels which were spread out before -them. However had it come to pass? However could it have gone on so -long? How much longer could it possibly continue? - -They were still trying to solve the problem when they drove up through a -delightful avenue of trees, and stopped in front of a large and stately -mansion. It was the Transvaal home of Clarence Raybold. - -Everywhere they looked, the evidence of wealth and lavish outlay stared -them in the face--in the grounds with its trees and lawns, which had -been forced and kept green by expensive irrigation; in the vast columns -and carved work of the masonry. Mr Raybold had expended a fortune on -the rearing of this suburban palace as a testimony to his wealth. Even -Clarence was impressed as he led the way up the steps and knocked at the -heavy, polished front door. - -Mr Raybold, although surrounded by so much luxury, was a bluff and -hearty man, who put on no airs of dignity. He welcomed his son with -affectionate warmth and his two friends with genuine hospitality. -Clarence had written about their intentions from Cape Town, so that they -were expected, and found their rooms all prepared. - -While they were having something to eat to keep them going till dinner, -a man was sent with a trap to bring their luggage. - -Mr Raybold heard the account of their arms being taken by the Boers -with a grim smile; but he made no other comment than to say he would do -his best to have them returned, or kept safely for them until they left -the Transvaal. - -It was only when they were leaving the dining-room to have a bath and -change their clothes, that he closed the door carefully, and said in an -impressive undertone-- - -"Be very careful how you express any opinion about the Government, -outside or inside. Also trust no one, however friendly they may appear. -Remember always that we are as much under surveillance here as people -are in Russia. Paul Kruger has his spies and secret detectives -everywhere." - -"But this is most horrible," cried the boys together. Mr Raybold -merely shrugged his shoulders and smiled the same grim smile. - -"Careless words are sometimes very costly in Johannesburg, and a silent -tongue is worth a great deal more than its weight in gold here. We -don't talk much in society here, and never about politics." - -"But your wrongs?" asked Ned, "We leave that to the newspapers to air, -and to those who have no money to be confiscated in fines." - -The heart of Ned sank as he listened to these wise and prudent words of -this successful citizen. Gold was the chain which the Uitlanders had -forged for themselves; and while the supply continued, it seemed -hopeless to expect them to make any effort towards deliverance. - -The three lads went off to dress themselves sadly and silently. -Clarence hung his head with shame for all the splendour which appeared -so many tokens of his father's fall from independence; while his chums, -out of sympathy and pity for him, refrained from looking at him. - -It is terrible for a brave and generous boy to feel ashamed of his -father. Poor Clarence went into the sumptuous room appointed to him, -and, after locking the door, he flung himself on a couch and groaned in -the bitterness of his heart. - -He remembered his father before he had come to the Transvaal and before -he was quite so rich. Thus he had good cause to look up to him with -pride, for he was a strong, fearless, and self-reliant man, who could -never have uttered such words as he had done that afternoon. What a -change those six years of tyranny had wrought in him! He looked older -now by a dozen years. His eyes had lost their straight, outward look, -and his face had become softer and flabbier, while his voice had no -longer its decided ring. All this was not the father he expected to -meet. - -He did not remember much about his mother, for she had died while he was -very young. Somehow he felt glad now for the first time to think that -she had died before the Transvaal migration. It would have utterly -broken his heart had he seen the same servile look on her face as he had -seen on his father's. - -All at once he pushed those wretched feelings from his heart, to replace -them by an increased hatred for the Boers who had wrought this evil--the -old obstinate baboon of Pretoria, who stood and with his darkened mind -stemmed the tide of civilisation. Ah, how Clarence abhorred Oom Paul -Kruger that afternoon! - -Fred Weldon bathed and dressed himself quietly, thinking all the time -upon poor Clarence, and wishing that he could comfort him, as Clarence -had done when he lost his father. He felt now that death was not the -worst calamity which could happen to a boy with his father. Time cured -that; but what could cure the death of respect? - -"Perhaps he is only lying low, like Brer Rabbit, and playing Indian for -a special purpose. That would be quite fair in a game of this kind. I -must give old Clar this idea and hope." - -He grew cheerful after this, and very soon persuaded himself that such -must be the case. Indeed, before he had finished dressing he was -mentally regarding Mr Raybold as a dark conspirator, only waiting -events to ripen, to blossom out into a daring hero of the William Tell -order. - -Ned, when he got into his room, also locked his door behind him; then he -unlaced his boots, and putting his hand inside, pulled out the folded -sheet of paper. - -It was not so clear as he should have liked, but the address was -readable and the paper intact. - -He was too honourable to open the missive, although, had he done so, he -would have been no wiser, as the contents were written in cypher. The -address was as follows:-- - -"Mr Philip Martin, Johannesburg." - -Having read it, and noted the name, he wrapped it up within a clean -piece of note-paper, and placed it for the time within his purse. - -He meant to ask his host that night if he knew this gentleman, and if -so, he would call upon him after dinner. - -But by good luck, when he got down to the library, where Mr Raybold was -waiting for his young guests, he found the very man he wanted. He had -come to dine with Mr Raybold. - -Ned looked at the man whom the great empire-maker had written to with -interest, nor was he disappointed in his ideal. - -Philip Martin was a strong man, and looked a bold one also. He was -about five feet eight inches in height, with a deep, wide chest and a -massive neck. He had a good deal the air of a sailor about him, which -his navy-blue serge suit and turned-down collar helped. His eyes were -dark and piercingly bright, while over them were thick black eyebrows. -His beard was cut short and pointed, and his features were pronounced, -while his complexion was swarthy. He was quick and decided in his -motions, and had a sonorous voice that loomed through the room. -Altogether he looked a man of strength, character, and indomitable will. -Just the sort of man that Ned could admire. - -Ned opened his purse, and took out his note, removing the outer covering -without being observed. Then, watching his chance when he was left -alone with Mr Martin, he approached him, and said-- - -"I think this is for you, Mr Martin. I got it from a gentleman on the -veldt three nights ago." - -"Thanks." - -Mr Martin opened the note carelessly; then, as soon as he saw the -contents, he started, and crushed it quickly into his pocket. - -"You have not shown any one this note, have you?" - -"No; I was told to be careful about it, and give it only to you, sir." - -"What kind of man was it who gave it to you?" - -"It was the Honourable Cec--" - -"Hush! I am satisfied. It is all right. Do not say any more." - -He went over to the fire, and after reading it carefully, he put it -amongst the logs, and watched it burn; then he stirred the ashes with -his foot, and turned once more to Ned. - -"You have done a great service in giving me this so promptly, and I -shall be happy if I can serve you in return." - -"I was too proud to be entrusted with it, sir." - -"Then you are one of the writer's many admirers, I presume?" - -"Yes, sir. There is no man I admire so much or would like to serve -more." - -Mr Martin looked at Ned keenly for some time without speaking, then he -said-- - -"The writer of that note tells me I may trust you and your companions. -He is seldom wrong in his reading of character, and in this instance my -own opinion agrees with his, respecting you at least. I haven't seen -your chums yet." - -"You may safely trust us all to the death, sir, in anything honourable. -We have sworn to stick together." - -"To the death, you say! Well, I may even want as desperate a pledge as -that. But can I trust your temper and discretion?" - -Ned blushed as he remembered his afternoon fit of passion, but he -replied firmly-- - -"I hope so, sir." - -"Had you that note on you this afternoon when you assaulted those two -Boers?" - -Ned hung his head guiltily. Yet he answered truthfully-- - -"Yes, sir. The sight of the fort made me lose my head for a moment, but -it shall not occur again." - -"You ran a frightful risk," answered Mr Martin, severely. "The -incident took place just opposite my window, and I saw it all, and -expected you to be taken in charge. If you had been, that paper would -have been discovered, and more damage done to the cause of freedom and -federation than you at present could imagine. There, I shall not -lecture you any more; only remember that to provoke a street row is not -the way to qualify for a patriot. Say no more about this now, but after -dinner I shall take you and your friends for a walk, show you some of -the town by night, and perhaps also let you see how you may help the -Uitlanders and--you know who else." - -He pressed our hero's hand warmly, as a token of his forgiveness, and at -once began to ask him questions about his journey up the country. - -Mr Raybold came back while they were conversing, and then shortly -afterwards Clarence and Fred. Almost at the same moment the dinner-gong -sounded, and together they went in to dinner. - -In the lobby Mr Martin whispered something in the ear of Mr Raybold, -who at once turned and looked with interest at Ned. That look cleared -up the doubts of Ned like magic, so that he laid hold of Clarence, and -said to him tenderly-- - -"Cheer up, old chappy; your dad is all right!" - -"Do you think so, Ned? Fred is of the same opinion." - -"I don't think--I know, and so will you before the night is over. Take -his advice and mine. Be discreet, for silence is golden. Just you wait -a bit." - -"Thank God!" answered Clarence, softly, a sudden moisture coming into -his rich brown eyes. - -CHAPTER NINE. - -JOHANNESBURG BY NIGHT. - -Mr Philip Martin was an intelligent and entertaining speaker, with -enough of the boy still about him to make him understand and interest -our heroes. - -His age was thirty-two, and he had both travelled and read a great deal. -A South African by birth and descent of three generations, all his -sympathies and hopes lay in his native land. England, or rather -Scotland, had been the original home of his ancestors, and their -traditions of liberty and independence were not forgotten. But it was -Africa, not Scotland, which held all that was most sacred to him. - -He had come to Johannesburg to superintend one of the mines, the same -one from which Mr Raybold drew most of his immense income. Philip -Martin was therefore a man with no personal vested interests in the -Transvaal beyond his salary. He could therefore leave whenever he liked -this inhospitable soil to Uitlanders. - -He could also plot and conspire, without the same risks that Mr Raybold -ran. This perhaps rendered him more daring and independent than his -host. - -During dinner, when not talking about the market, they conversed on -indifferent subjects. Mr Martin seemed chiefly interested in hearing -all about the life the lads had led at school. - -Ned had a notion that this bright, strong, swarthy man, with his air of -interest, was drawing them out for some purpose of his own, and was -reading them all the time he asked questions and listened to their -replies. - -But he did not mind being studied, as his record and those of his -companions were clean ones. Besides, he found it a pleasure to give his -confidence to this man, for already he liked him very greatly, and felt -that he would not be misjudged. - -So the three lads rattled on, recalling incidents of victories won in -the class and in the field, while Mr Martin listened with his keen, -bright eyes glowing upon them alternately, as if in his heart he was -moving again with them through those merry past times. - -Mr Raybold also sat looking at them and listening with the indulgent -smile of a genial host, who is pleased to find his guests enjoying -themselves. - -It was a good dinner, and the lads did full justice to it, in spite of -their chatter, for they had brought with them good travellers' -appetites. The solids disappeared rapidly as they were placed before -them, without in the least spoiling their zest for the dessert. The -wines, however, they did not touch, which Mr Martin also abstained -from. Mr Raybold was the only one who indulged in anything stronger -than water. - -"What do you drink?" asked Mr Martin, during a pause. - -"Water," answered our heroes. - -"Right you are. That is my tipple also when I can get it; but in Africa -one has to grow accustomed to moderate their desires even in this -indulgence--particularly when on an exploring expedition." - -"And that was our intention in coming out to Africa." - -"You'll have your chance, never fear. There is plenty of ground yet -left to explore, and lots of big game to bag up country." - -Clarence looked wistfully and affectionately at his father during the -dinner, who returned his glances with tenderness. The abject expression -which Mr Raybold had seemed to have worn in the afternoon had now been -replaced by an air of placid content and kindliness. Clarence felt -greatly relieved, and began to regain hope and confidence. - -"Are you going to the club tonight, Philip?" he asked. - -"Yes; I'll look in there about ten o'clock. Shall you be there?" - -"Yes; I think so," replied the capitalist, quietly. "I have a few calls -to make first." - -"I suppose you don't object to me taking the youngsters, to show them -about?" - -"Well--no. If you consider them old enough, I don't greatly object." - -There was not much heartiness in Mr Raybold's tones, and he looked in -the direction of his son with a slightly troubled eye, while he rubbed -his chin reflectively. - -"Oh, I'll vouch for them, and take care that they do not get into any -scrapes also," answered Mr Martin, confidently. - -"Very well; I'll trust them under your wing. Come into my sanctum and -have a cigar first." - -Mr Raybold rose and led the way with a pleasant smile; then, dismissing -the servant who had followed them with coffee, he locked the door, and -turned round to Philip Martin with a stern face-- - -"Look here, Philip, I don't like this! I am risking the biggest part of -my fortune, and possibly my own life, to help on the cause, but I draw -the line at giving up my son also." - -Clarence sprang forward with a joyous cry, and flung his arms -impulsively round his father's neck. - -"Oh, father, how happy you have made me by those words! So you are not, -after all, a tame serf?" - -"Wait, Clarence. I am speaking to Mr Martin at present," said his -father, gravely, at the same time pushing him away gently. - -"I have learnt enough from these lads, Mr Raybold, to know that no -power on earth will keep them out of the fun if they live in -Johannesburg," answered Philip Martin, calmly. "If we don't show them -what is going on under the surface, they are too recently from the home -of freedom to be able to endure the life here." - -"I can send them away." - -"Where? To Rhodesia, where they will be picked up and utilised by our -friends outside?" - -Mr Raybold remained silent, as if he had not a reply handy. - -"Best get them initiated first," continued Philip, "and then they will -be able to hold their own. Cecil Rhodes has already seen them, and -trusts them, young as they are; and you know he is not the man to make -many mistakes. Besides, think of your son's feelings. He must respect -his father. Just give him a chance to speak for himself." - -"Yes, father; let us go with Mr Martin. I want to be proud as well as -fond of my father. We all want to help to shake down this horrible -tyranny, and we can be trusted." - -"Those are our sentiments, sir," echoed Ned and Fred--"to be of some -service to the British, and help to wipe out those ugly stains that now -lie on our flag." - -"My lads," answered Mr Raybold, gravely, "it is not that I do not trust -you, but that I fear to risk you. What has to be done is our business, -not yours--men's work, not boys'." - -"Where a father goes, surely it is a son's duty to follow," said -Clarence. - -"We'll take the risk. And if we are boys, we are able to fight as well -as most men, and run a good deal faster, if running is the game," added -Ned, with a flash in his eyes. - -"Besides," said Fred, quietly, "we know too much already not to know -more." - -Philip Martin laughed, and cried-- - -"That clinches it, I fancy. Come, Mr Raybold, I'd rather have these -three youngsters in our ranks than a dozen of some fellows I know." - -"I must yield, I suppose," answered Mr Raybold, with a regretful sigh. -"Only I wish I could have kept you out of this hornets' nest, Clarence. -Be careful, though, now that you are about to become conspirators, for -we have a very wily enemy to hoodwink." - -He went over to where the cigars were and took one, which he cut and -lit, while he offered the box to Philip. - -"I'll call the committee meeting for half-past ten. That will give you -time to look round the town, Philip." - -"Yes; that will do nicely. Come, boys, if you are ready we'll start." - -They found horses already saddled waiting for them at the front door, -and together they cantered down the avenue and out to the main road. - -The moon was just rising as they started, and very soon it was shining -upon their faces and casting long black shadows behind them. The three -boys were filled with eagerness, not so much to see the town as to be -introduced to that mysterious club. - -They had about four miles to ride before they reached the centre of the -city, and through most of this distance they were passing private villas -and gardens. The mines were situated on the other side of the city. - -Under the silver lustre of the moon, with the dark mystery of shadow -which the shrubs and trees cast, these suburbs appeared to be centuries -old. From the window-blinds of the mansions shone the mellow -lamplights, while the sounds of singing and music all added to the charm -of that warm and radiant night. - -Many people were out on the road, enjoying the beauty of the night-- -parties on horseback, lovers, natives, and not a few children. They all -appeared happy and careless enough. - -Soon they came to the more crowded parts, all brightly lighted up with -electric globes and gas-jets. Many of the shops were still open and -doing a thriving trade. The hotels and canteens were, as usual, -crowded, while the side paths were filled with pedestrians. All the -citizens of Johannesburg seemed to be on the streets at this time, and a -strange gathering of nationalities they were. - -"We have some of the worst blackguards on the face of the globe here," -observed Philip, as they rode slowly along Pritchard Street. - -"And some of the greatest cowards also, I should say," replied Ned. - -"You are right; blackguards are very seldom brave men, although, of -course, there are exceptions to every rule." - -"I see Israel is to the fore here." - -"Yes; that is one of the causes of our past failure. A Jew will never -risk his property nor person for any cause outside of business. We -don't admit Jews nor Germans into the club where we are going tonight, -nor, of course, Dutchmen either." - -"I suppose we must not ask any questions about your club now?" asked -Ned, timidly. - -"No; we shall dismount here, and leave our horses for the present. One -thing I must ask of you, and that is, whatever you may see on the -streets, do not interfere. This is a rough city, after dark -particularly, and swarming with the vilest of both sexes. Yet restrain -your generous instincts and do not pause either to remonstrate or -protest. You will see and hear much to raise your just indignation, but -keep your feelings under, or you will be of no use to the cause." - -It was a timely warning, and the boys acted upon it, although their -chivalrous feelings were sorely tried during that night walk. Almost -from the moment they turned from the hotel, where they left their -horses, to the time they entered the club-house, their eyes and ears -were affronted by evidences of unbridled licence and brutal tyranny. - -All the inhabitants appeared to be more or less under the influence of -drink, women as well as men. They were generally all well dressed, most -of them overdressed, while on shirt-fronts and bare necks blazed out -flashing diamonds. - -"Are there no respectable people in Johannesburg?" asked the boys in -astonishment. - -"The respectable people mostly stay at home on nights like this," -replied Philip. "What you see are the scum of nations drawn here by the -scent of gold, as vultures are to a battlefield. These are the camp -followers of the great god Mammon, greater foes to freedom and progress -than are the Boers. They are nearly all either thieves, spies, or -reasonless beasts." - -It was a gay sight and for ever changing. The women with their shining -dresses and flashing diamonds looked like fireflies as they flaunted -along under the electric lights from canteen to canteen. Tram-cars, -Cape carts, cabs, and horsemen filled up the centre of the streets, -while black men, and whites, showing prominent noses and smoking -enormous cigars, passed to and fro incessantly. - -And amongst them swaggered shaggy-bearded and badly dressed Boers, -scowling or jeering coarsely at the crowd they pushed so rudely through. - -They heard one drunken fellow begin to shout out, "Rule, Britannia," but -he was immediately seized by a couple of Zarps and dragged off to -prison. No one interfered on his behalf, nor did our heroes feel much -pity either; he had such an atrocious rasping voice that they were -almost grateful to the Boers for silencing it. At last they turned down -a quiet street, and soon reached a house where the front door stood wide -open, and where the first-flat windows were lighted up. - -"This is our club," said Philip, as they entered. - -There was an office in the hall where lay a visitors' book. In this he -entered their names, with his own. Then, with a nod to the silent -hall-keeper, he showed them upstairs. - -"Our reading-room," Philip said, as he ushered them into a large room -comfortably furnished. - -There were a good number of gentlemen assembled, reading papers and -magazines, or writing. Philip looked about him keenly, and, nodding to -several, took a chair and touched the electric bell. Almost immediately -a waiter entered from another room. - -"The committee are waiting for you, sir," whispered the waiter to -Philip. - -"All right. Excuse me for a few moments, boys. You will find all the -latest magazines here, and I'll not be long." - -He went out of the room, and left them to amuse themselves as they best -could amongst the papers and magazines. - -They had not very long to wait, however, before he returned and said-- - -"Now, boys, come with me, and I'll show you the other parts of these -premises." - -CHAPTER TEN. - -THE THREE ACES. - -There was nothing about the premises of the Three Ace Club so far to -show its character. It was entered as a non-political club for British -Africanders. As drink and gambling were strictly prohibited, and its -object was more for reading than social intercourse or discussion, it -was regarded as a very slow affair by the majority of the community, and -only patronised by the most staid and respectable. A considerable -number of members, however, were entered upon its books, and as far as -subscriptions went, it was in a flourishing enough condition. - -It had been organised since the fiasco of 1896, and although Uncle Paul -had regarded it with suspicion at first, its respectable and sleepy -character had allayed even his suspicions. - -Philip Martin led the boys up to the second landing, and then, taking -them into a bedroom, he shut the door. - -"I am about to confide in you, my lads, a secret which you must promise -never to reveal to any one." - -"You may depend upon us." - -"I feel I can, otherwise I should not have brought you here. You may -have read about the insurrection of 1896, when the Boers disarmed the -citizens. They were disappointed in only finding four thousand rifles -instead of the thirty thousand they were led to expect." - -"Yes; it was generally thought that the reformers had been boasting." - -"That was the general impression, and so I also thought before I came to -Johannesburg and was initiated." - -"Had they this number of weapons?" asked Ned. - -"Yes; more than that number, as you will see presently." - -"Then why did the cowards hold back and allow Dr Jim to be defeated?" - -"Because, firstly, they had a majority of cowards amongst them; and, -secondly, because they were not properly organised, and the leaders were -afraid to trust their men. Now, however, we have altered all that. -Come with me, and you will see our arsenal." - -He opened the door of a wardrobe which stood at the side of the wall, -and, pulling out the drawer first, he touched a secret spring, and -immediately the bottom moved up and showed them a flight of stairs -underneath. - -"This is the way down. You go first, while I close the entrance." - -He had only to pull back the drawer from the inside, and the aperture -was securely fastened, wardrobe door and all. - -He struck a wax vesta, and showed them their course down the steps, -which were like the steps down to the stoke-holes of an ocean liner. - -"These steps can all be raised and laid flat against the ceilings of -each landing, as well as covered from sight, at a moment's notice," -explained Philip, as they went down. "In the flat below, which we -entered, is a press, through which we pass, with shelves that drop down -when the ladders are raised." - -"It is very ingenious." - -"Very, and unless a traitor showed the working, quite impossible to -discover. We are now passing through the pantry on the ground floor. -Now we are below the street." - -The steps they had used hitherto were composed of iron, felt covered, -but now they were descending solid stone stairs, also carpeted with -thick felt to deaden the sound of their feet. - -The walls and roof were likewise composed of stone and covered with -cement, while at regular intervals along the ceiling were electric -globes, which gave them plenty of light. - -They went down about forty of these stone steps before they came to -level ground, and then, before them, they saw a long, straight, and -well-lighted lobby with an arched roof. - -"This is the secret of the Three Ace Club. We have to take precautions -when we have the like of Oom Paul to deal with," remarked Philip, with a -smile. "Here you may make as much noise as you like, for no one outside -could hear even a gun report. We have stopped the echo." - -"It must have cost something to excavate this vault," said the boys. - -"Yes; a good deal of Rand money has been sunk here. But come and see -our shooting-gallery, arsenal, and general meeting-place." - -He led the way along the lobby until they came to a door, against which -he gave three loud knocks, at the same time pressing a knob. - -Immediately the door opened, and they entered. - -An underground hall of four hundred feet spread before them, in which -were assembled a number of men. - -It was lighted like the lobby by electricity, and lined, floor, coiling, -walls, and doors, with felt. At the far end were placed three targets, -and all round on racks, from floor to ceiling, were rifles. Not thirty -thousand, but over a hundred thousand weapons, were here placed ready -for use. - -Along two sides were placed a row of maxim guns. Ted counted thirty to -each side. He also noticed that there were several doors at different -parts of this vast gallery. - -Philip Martin saw their amazement, and smiled again. - -"You see we are not altogether so much at the mercy of the Boers as they -fondly imagine. That door to your right leads off to our magazine, -where we have sufficient ammunition for our purpose. That other door on -your left leads to a tunnel which we are at present engaged in boring. -When finished it will take us into the fort where Kruger has fixed his -Krupps. We are more than two-thirds on the way now. Those other doors -are exits, and lead to different parts of the city. Oh yes, when next -we rise, if we are forced, it shall not be against our wives and -children that the fort guns will be discharged. We'll use them for -another purpose, and be much obliged to Oom Paul for his valuable gift." - -Philip Martin was treating these young novices as if they were sage men, -which proved his knowledge of human nature. If you wish a boy to act -like a man, treat him like a man, and respect his amour propre. - -He was showing them round as if they were distinguished visitors, and -opening his mind to them with a frankness that won their hearts -completely. It flattered their self-respect and quickened their -reflective faculties. They felt that they were expected to feel, speak, -and act like the men they were amongst, and whose lives were entrusted -to their discretion. - -Then they become grave, attentive, and observant, and got into the -proper mood for the work that lay before them. In England men are apt -to underrate boys, therefore they grow slowly. Napoleon never made this -mistake, but then he was young himself when he became a man, and moulded -his ideas from the youthful heroes of the great past. - -Philip Martin, like Napoleon, had the timely quality of being able to -appreciate young men. He knew from experience that heroism comes more -natural to a youth than to a sage. Johannesburg had been chock-a-block -with prudent sages during the last conspiracy, which had so miserably -failed. He meant to work with enthusiasts this time--have men who -needed curbing instead of urging. - -The effect of this treatment was that our heroes, however much amazed -they were at what they saw, managed to control their feelings, and look -coolly about them. The only thing which caused them regret was, every -arrangement had already been made, and they seemed to have arrived too -late to be of the slightest use. - -"Johannesburg seems to be already in the hands of your party, Mr -Martin. I fear we can be of but small service to you," said Ned, sadly. - -"Don't think such a thing, my lad," replied Philip, warmly. "The -message you brought in from Cecil Rhodes entitles you to our deepest -gratitude, as you will know perhaps presently. It was too important a -bit of paper to be trusted to an ordinary messenger, and as you are a -new-comer and young, you and your friends are just the kind we most -urgently require. As for Johannesburg being in our hands because we -have weapons, and will soon be able to hold the fort, that is of very -little advantage to us while the Home Government work with the Boers and -forbid us to claim our rights. We are helpless, even with this arsenal -in our midst, to do more than protect our lives if our masters wantonly -attack us. We must wait for them to begin hostilities. Say, are you -fair marksmen?" - -"Not first rate, but we have had some practise in Stellenbosch." - -"Then go over to the rack there and select rifles, and amuse yourselves -by trying to get some bull's-eyes, while I talk to the committee about -the news you have brought us. I'll introduce you presently, and get you -enrolled as members of our Three Ace Club." - -"What a strange name! Why do you call it this?" - -"Because we believe we hold `three aces' at present in the game we are -playing against this rotten Republic. Oom Paul believes he holds all -the aces. We give him credit of one, but that, we fear, is the trump. -However, we don't despair. With good luck and hanging on, I hope we may -yet be able to call our party the four ace club yet. Then we can -exhibit our hands." - -He took the boys over to where a party of young men were standing, and -introduced them, telling them to fix them up with cartridges and have -some practice. Then he went and joined some of the elders, amongst whom -Clarence saw his father. - -They were received in a very friendly way by the young fellows. That -they were there at all was guarantee enough for their principles. - -For the next half-hour their attention was fully occupied by the target -in front of them. Out of a dozen shots each, Ned put nine into the -centre, Clarence eight, and Fred ten, at the four hundred yards. - -They were congratulated by their companions, and would have been fairly -satisfied only that they found the others so much better. Out of six -dozen of the other cartridges, only one struck the other edge of the -mark; the other seventy-one went straight, one over the other, right in -the centre. The man who struck the edge looked disgusted with himself. - -As for those other nine misses, they could easily be counted on the -white. - -The self-satisfaction of our heroes died away at their own miserable -display. They felt suddenly as if they were worthy only of contempt. - -"It isn't at all bad shooting for the first try at a new target," said -the young men, encouragingly. "You must remember that we spend most of -our evenings here, drilling and practising." - -That was something in their favour certainly. - -"You must join our squad; we go through our manoeuvres here every night -from seven till ten o'clock. We have the very best instructors in the -British Army to teach us, and I reckon we will make a good show when the -time arrives to show our paces above the ground." - -Our heroes resolved that, while they remained in Johannesburg, they -would fill out their evenings in this way. - -While they had been shooting, Philip Martin and the council were engaged -in another part of the hall discussing politics. The message which -Philip delivered to them seemed to give them universal satisfaction. - -But they were finished now, for Philip came forward and called the boys. - -"I am happy to tell you that you have been accepted as members of this -society. Come and be sworn in." - -They followed him over to a table, where the secretary of the society -was seated with the roll-book in front of him. - -"Young gentlemen," he said, "I am pleased to welcome you to -Johannesburg, and proud to accept you as volunteers to the cause of -liberty and the rights of Englishmen. Our cause is a just and a holy -one, which must commend itself to every loyal member of the British -race, whichever home he hails from. Our objects are threefold: first, -to uphold the power and honour of our Empire, which means the spread of -civilisation and humanity; secondly, the harmony and unity of Africa, -and the federation of all our colonies under the protection of this -Empire of Great Britain; thirdly, the downfall of all tyrants and -traitors to the Empire. Experience has taught us that the Boer -Government is an impossibility, and that while they, the Boers, have -authority, there can be no peace or progress in Africa. They have -denied us all the rights of human beings, and disgraced our name. They -have shown us that they are our enemies and evil wishers. They have -cajoled us too often for us to trust them any more, for they have proved -themselves to be crafty, cruel, and pitiless savages, utterly unworthy -of a place among nations. Therefore we are banded together to destroy -this Dutch Republic in Africa, and restore the land, that traitors to -England gave to these enemies, once again to the Empire as it was -before. We are banded to unite the whole of South Africa under one -flag, and that flag must be the British flag. Are you prepared to swear -that you will help us to achieve this end, and wipe away the stains -which these savages have placed upon that flag?" - -"We are," answered our heroes, earnestly. - -"With all your energies--with the last drop of your blood, if called -upon?" - -"We are." - -"Swear also that you will be faithful to the trust we repose in you from -this night, obedient to the command of those officers who may be placed -over you, and true to your comrades." - -"We swear to be faithful, obedient, and true to the cause." - -"These are the three aces which form our watchword--loyalty, obedience, -and good faith. Now sign your names here, and receive your badge." - -Our heroes went home with Mr Raybold that night proud that they were at -least members of this noble brotherhood, and prepared to live and die -worthy of the small joined aces which they carried in their pockets. - -CHAPTER ELEVEN. - -THE BOER PARAMOUNT. - -The life which our heroes led for the next few weeks in Johannesburg, -although excessively useful, was not momentous. They learned to be sure -of hitting the centre of the bull's-eye with every shot. Also, what -would be of more service in actual Boer warfare, they mastered the -science of taking a bead swiftly and hitting a rapidly moving object. -Sword and bayonet exercises were not neglected, nor horse and foot -drill. - -They saw the miners at work on the tunnel that was slowly crawling -towards the German-filled fort, and helped to carry the debris through -one of the several exits. This was the most delicate part of the work, -yet it was managed without much difficulty by the numerous members who -composed the league. - -During the daytime they walked about the city or rode over the veldt, -getting gradually acquainted with most of their brothers, and learning -whom to avoid amongst the inhabitants. - -They no longer wondered why the former rising had ended in disaster. -Amongst all the crowds who were called Uitlanders not a sixth portion -were, even at this time, bona fide Britishers. At the time of Dr Jim's -gallant raid they were not a twelfth part. The rest of the population -was made up of Russians, French, and German Jews, with a large -sprinkling of other nationalities. Germans mostly, however, -predominated, and they made no secret of their deep and violent hatred -of everything British. Not a single Englishman was employed in any -public department either in Johannesburg or anywhere else throughout the -Transvaal. The labourers even, who were employed by Government were -either Germans or Hollanders when they were not Kaffirs. In the highest -posts were placed Boers, Hollanders, and Germans exclusively. It was a -clear case of "no English need apply" to any burgher employer. - -The president, Paul Kruger, and his bigoted and ignorant Executive -Council had got every concession which crafty greed and tyranny could -get from cowardice and treason. They had introduced German soldiers -wholesale into their country, and purchased nearly all the arms and -ammunition which had entered Africa for the past two years. This, with -blind and misplaced confidence, they had been allowed to do by the other -colonists. Indeed, throughout Cape Colony and Natal, the Dutch -Africanders had been openly spending all their spare money in arming -themselves, while the colonials, as a majority, had been watching them -doing this, and neglecting to take the same precautions. At the present -moment, to all appearance, the Boers and their friends were the only -effectively armed people throughout South Africa. We must except, of -course, those who were under the influence of Cecil Rhodes--the men of -Rhodesia and the Three Ace Club league. Affairs were in a fairly -quiescent condition at present. The citizens of Johannesburg had given -over asking for their rights, and accepted each fresh insult and -oppression quietly, and without outward remonstrance. They knew such -were utterly futile with that obstinate bigot, who regarded himself as -an avenging instrument in the hands of the Lord. - -Neither was it any secret what all these warlike preparations were -aiming at. If the Home Government shut its eyes, not a man, woman, or -child in Africa but knew that the old man of Pretoria intended nothing -less than the subjugating of Africa to the Boers, as soon as matters -were ripe enough. They would soon find excuses for their violence and -treason when they were ready to begin. As for the anarchy and massacres -that would follow, they were satisfied that they would find plenty of -defenders amongst the reptile gangs of Little Englanders, who were at -present doing their utmost to help them in their work of destruction. -It was an open secret that the hated English were to be driven out of -Africa, and the country torn from the empire. - -This was to be the result of our clemency and weak indulgence to a race -who understood only revenge and oppression. The remorseless principles -and inhuman tenets of the Boer religion belonged to those dark ages -which civilisation and the true knowledge of Christianity has swept from -the other portions of the globe where the Bible is known and honoured. -Their colonial history is a long record of steadfast atrocity and abuse -of power. Wherever they have trekked they have left a broad trail of -blood and disaster. Wherever they have settled, progress has ceased to -exist. They are, as a race, the most ignorant, the most remorseless, -and the rudest of barbarians. - -The history of Africa, from the most remote ages, has been one of -conquest. There are, therefore, no aboriginal owners to restrain the -hand of the taker, or lay bona fide claims to compensation for land -seized. It has been, in the past, ruthlessly torn from the weak by the -strong, and held only by force of arms. Humanitarians, therefore, -cannot urge the claims of the Kaffirs over the white conquerors. From a -humanitarian point of view, the race that has proved most worthy of -advancing humanity and civilisation has the best of all possible rights -to this open country. - -For the sake of future races, it is only one of the great existing -nations that dare take up this grave responsibility. - -Neither Germany, France, nor Russia, so far as their colonial policy and -history is concerned, have shown that they are adapted for this great -work. England only has proved that she is equal to the task, as long -ago, Imperial Rome did in a lesser way. Our great empire liberates and -advances every land which she protects. She frees the slave, educates -the savage, and makes the black man equal with the white. She welcomes -the stranger within her gates, asks no tyrannical pledges from the -Uitlander before she gives him employment and all the rights of her own -children. She embraces all humanity as her children, without shackling -them with conditions, either individually or tribal. Whatever king or -chief they owe allegiance to--whatever flag they honour--makes, no -difference to their rights as colonists and citizens while they live -under and claim the protection of the British flag. This is our best -defence for our right to extend and hold our empire in the face of -envious enemies and internal traitors. What we give up, or lose, or -forego is a distinct loss to civilisation, progression, and humanity. -We are the only holders and dispensers of liberty. The German makes a -good colonist under British control; so do the French, the Dutch, and -many of the other clans on the earth's surface. - -But when Germany seizes a land she treats it as the warlike Kaffirs did. -She butchers the original owners, and insists on all outsiders -relinquishing their private rights, and becoming subjects. As the -Kaiser has truly said, "On whatever land the German Eagle fixes its -talons, that land is German." This means, it is no longer free, only a -German is entitled to civil rights. - -The Boer, wherever he has possessed any authority, has pursued a similar -policy, only, being more medieval and ignorantly conservative in his -ideas, he goes many steps further in his candid tyranny than does his -friend the German. His religion is a blending of gross superstition, -narrowness, intolerance, and Judaism in its most relentless and savage -aspect. - -He honestly believes in the justice of the curse of Ham; but he believes -more, for, like the Moslem with his women, he says that the dark races -of the earth are like the beasts, soulless; whom to shoot down is no -murder; whom to enslave is his right, as one of the masterful and -heaven-favoured races. - -He believes in revenge and hatred as sacred duties. "An eye for an eye, -and a tooth for a tooth," are words which he gloats upon. - -According to the patriarchal laws he is a good husband and father, and -will fight for his own like any red Indian. Like all savages, however, -he does not care for fighting in the open. He prefers to skulk behind -rocks, and take his enemy at a disadvantage. - -He is a mass of gross superstition; in this he even surpasses the -Kaffir. He believes fervently in ghosts and omens, and dreads the dark -with trembling horror. He is utterly devoid of chivalry, truth, or -common honesty. A pledge in his estimation means only an expedient to -hoodwink his adversary and gain time. He will make a promise at any -time, and break it without the slightest scruple. He laughs at those -who trust him, as fools. Like the wild boar, he hates to see his lair -disturbed. He would much rather trek than live where civilisation is. -He is rude, uncouth, and pre-eminently inhospitable, and prefers his own -ignorance and superstition to enlightenment. By nature he is a morose -and uncompromising savage who has no place among civilised races, and -not the faintest conception of democracy. - -His greed is sateless; his audacity boundless; and his sense of -gratitude nil. Philanthropy and mercy are qualities which he despises, -because he cannot understand them. He professes to believe in the -Redeemer of mankind, but he draws his inspirations from the passages of -Scripture that suit his peculiar temperament, and the ethics of -Christianity do not. As a nation, he is as utterly impossible as the -Turk, therefore is completely out of place in the Transvaal. - -The past history of the Boers in Africa has proved this beyond dispute. -They have slaughtered mercilessly, and oppressed their neighbours -wherever they have settled. It is only by the strong hand that they -have been kept so far within bounds. - -Their principal grievance against us is that we freed their slaves, and -they nurse this grievance with undying hatred. They have murdered our -settlers ruthlessly, betrayed our statesmen, and mocked us for our -weaknesses. They remember their supposed wrongs, and lose no chance of -repaying them by brutality and treachery, and mock at our generosity in -forgetting what they have done. - -Ah! the gallant sons we have lost through trusting those ruthless -murderers! England may forget, but what of the mothers, wives, sisters, -fathers, and brothers of those who lie buried, and yet unavenged? - -It is possible to pardon a brave enemy who has fought fairly. As -Englishmen, we do this always--but only after we have wiped out the -blot. But what true Englishman could forgive the bloody assassin who -walks about boasting over his crime? What true Englishman could sit -down tamely, and swallow insult and slavery, as well as murder? - -These were the inhuman, hating, and ferocious enemies which some -Englishmen delighted to honour, sympathise with, and admire, for their -treatment of those Englishmen who had saved their Republic from ruin, -and poured wealth into their rapacious pockets. The tactics of their -obstinate and superstitious president is world known. His -shamelessness, greed, craft, and unblushing falsehood, his open enmity, -his avarice, and dense stupidity, all these qualities are representative -of his people, and what we are asked to admire and sympathise with. -Standing as we do afar off, we are apt to forget the atrocious side of -the Boer, and regard the ridiculous side with good-natured contempt. - -But to those in the midst of it all, it was by no means a matter to -laugh at. The constant reminders of those atrocities and disgraces, the -wanton insults, the brutal treatment, the persistent turning round of -the screw, without a moment of relaxation, were maddening even to the -meekest and most long-suffering. - -As we have already shown, our heroes did not come of a mute and lowly -race. They had British blood in their veins--young English blood that -was quickly heated. Since their coming to the Transvaal this blood had -been at boiling pitch. - -They tried to hearken to the words of prudence as preached by Philip -Martin and Mr Raybold. They tried to obey their leaders, and shut -their eyes to the daily outrages of justice which they beheld, and act -in away which their hearts told them was base cowardice. - -They saw ladies hustled rudely by rough and armed clowns from the -footpath amongst the mud. They listened to coarse epithets shouted at -their countrywomen if they looked indignant at this usage, and did their -best to keep their hands in their pockets and their eyes on the ground. - -They saw the German mercenaries knock down, kick, and baton the citizens -without the slightest provocation, and the citizens take their unmerited -punishment without remonstrance, knowing full well there was no possible -redress from the Boer authorities. They saw Boers spit on the beards of -Englishmen, and they only take out and use their handkerchiefs to wipe -the hateful stains away. They saw children ill-treated because their -parents were English, and the parents lift up their children and soothe -them, without attempting to punish the wretches who had made those -innocents weep. - -They saw all this and grosser outrages constantly being enacted under -their eyes, and while they looked they ground their teeth, and wondered -how long they would be able to endure this horrible restraint upon their -pent-up feelings. - -"It will be our turn before long to be batoned," remarked Fred, quietly. -"We cannot expect to be allowed to walk the streets much longer without -being molested." - -"The Boer or German who attempts to lay a finger on me had better look -out. I'll leave my mark on him," replied Ned, grimly. - -"We'll be there at the same time with our signatures," put in Clarence, -cheerfully. - -Fred was right in his prognostications of evil. Their independent -bearing had already been remarked upon by the police, and their turn -came sooner even than they expected. - -CHAPTER TWELVE. - -OUR HEROES ARE ARRESTED. - -One morning they had come into town, to have their customary promenade, -listen to the latest news, and keep their blood flowing by watching the -sights. Like Paddy, they were trying how much they could stand of this -music, and vainly hoping to get used to it by constant habit. - -The city had been more than usually in a ferment during the past week. -It had been the election week, and although none of the Johannesburghers -had much hope of a change, yet until the affair was decided, there had -been a good deal of wordy speculation. - -However, as even the most credulous feared, Oom Paul Kruger had once -more managed to keep his chair, thanks to his simple and direct -management. While he was travelling the country canvassing for votes, -the old hypocrite played with his people, as the man who wants to buy an -annuity plays with the insurance company. He did the sick and feeble -old man who had only a few months more to live, and appealed to the -sympathy of those who were tired of him as a master. He played this -role so perfectly as to deceive even his own intimates. As for the -Uitlanders, he humbugged them so completely that they became jubilant -about the nearness of their emancipation. Even for a little while the -news of his return did not depress them overmuch. This they considered -to be a dead certainty, with the ballot boxes in the hands of his -supporters. - -A rumour had somehow spread, on the day after the announcement of the -result, that he was dead. For one whole hour Johannesburg lost its -head, and became intoxicated with joy. Shareholders bounced inside the -chain, while some were even mad enough to wire the happy event to -London, where for another hour on the Stock Exchange Paul Kruger gained -more popularity than he had ever gained in his life. - -But, alas! they were not long left to this most unseemly joy. Hardly -had they wiped their mouths after drinking to his safe translation to -another sphere than the Grand Old Man of Pretoria showed them how dead -he was. - -He enjoyed giving them surprises, and the one he sprang on them now was -the summary dismissal of Chief Justice Kotze, the only Dutchman who was -above bribery or coercion. - -Now, indeed, he was beginning his fresh tenure without any pretence of -wearing gloves. Whoever dared to oppose his autocratic tyranny, and -stand up for any other laws than those which his will dictated, was to -be swept out of the way. At this act of tyranny, worse than any that -the Stuarts ever perpetrated, even Philip Martin looked anxious. - -"It is the beginning of the end," he said. "Cecil Rhodes's last message -was for us to hold on and lie low. How much longer will we be allowed -to do this?" - -Kotze protested against this unlawful outrage, and refused to accept his -dismissal. But he gained no more by that than the Uitlanders had done. - -The inhabitants of Johannesburg were struck dumb when they heard of this -scandal, coupled with the tidings that the president's late illness had -been all shammed. Even the Boers themselves were staggered, as this -touched their rights as much as it demolished all safety for the -Uitlanders. Throughout Africa a wave of expectant horror passed. What -would this hoary tyrant not do next, now that he had demolished the law? -He was supreme. Anarchy and massacre would possibly be the next order -of the day. - -Once again, as in the time of the Jameson Raid, men began to send away -their wives and children, and prepare themselves for the inevitable. - -On the morning that our heroes took their walk, they found the streets -and between the chains blocked with people. - -But no business was being done, neither did men venture to speak to each -other. Every one suspected his fellow to be a spy. Business was at a -complete stand, and they watched the Zarps hustling the pedestrians -about, and inwardly speculated when the Krupp guns would begin their -devastating work. - -Anything might be expected now from Pretoria. With that first act -Kruger had pitched the gauntlet straight in the face of England. Surely -he must have already completed his arrangements with Germany. - -Halfway down the street the young men met Philip Martin. He was no -longer looking so anxious as he had been the past few days. He stopped -for a moment and whispered to Ned. - -"Hold yourselves in readiness to leave for Rhodesia tomorrow. I shall -have a message for you to carry." - -"Oh," replied Ned, a little disappointed. "Must we clear out before the -fun begins?" - -"Don't be afraid. Nothing will take place here yet awhile. This -present buster will blow over. I have just had a bit of news which will -make the old gentleman draw in his horns for a bit." - -"That's all right," answered Ned, laughing. - -Philip Martin had only turned his back on them when four Zarps, who had -been watching them, came forward, scattering the people to right and -left. - -Their batons were drawn, and their purpose unmistakable. Doom had come -upon our heroes. - -"Look out, boys!" cried Ned, as he sprang to the nearest wall, and -planted his back against it. As he did so, he saw amongst the onlookers -Stephanus Groblaar. - -Fred and Clarence ranged themselves alongside of their chum with -alacrity. - -"Now, then, come along, you white-livered Uitlanders!" cried the Zarps, -closing in and raising their batons. - -"Go with them quietly," shouted the onlookers, warningly, as they saw -the boys were preparing to resist. - -Philip Martin had by this time rounded the corner, without seeing what -had happened. - -"Yes; take your licking like true Englishmen!" cried Stephanus, -mockingly. - -"Don't be afraid--we shall!" answered Ned, casting prudence to the -winds, as he darted to one side to avoid the falling baton. - -It grazed his shoulder, while his aggressor stumbled forward with an -ugly oath. - -Next moment he was sprawling on his back, with a mouth filled with loose -teeth and gore, while Ned caught the baton adroitly as it flew from his -grasp. - -As he caught it, he swung it round and landed it with crushing force on -the jaws of the second officer. A sound of breaking bones was heard, -while the Boer went down like a felled ox. - -"Hurrah, boys! Go at it!" shouted Ned, leaping in to help his chums. - -Clarence had been struck, and was lying also on the ground. But Fred -Weldon was giving a good account of himself, dodging the baton of the -Boer--an immense fellow--and getting in some facers, which made the -baton strokes uncertain. - -With a strong tap on the back of the Boer's cranium, which was bare, Ned -quickly sent him alongside of his two mates. - -Then for a moment the fray was over, for the remaining policeman had -rushed to the outside of the ring, and was blowing his whistle for help. - -"Bolt!" cried the crowd, opening a lane for them, although otherwise -they did not offer to help. - -"No, you don't," cried Stephanus, covering the two boys with his -revolver. "Move a foot and I'll riddle you." - -Ned looked down at poor Clarence, who was lying senseless on the ground, -and decided that the game was up. He therefore glanced towards -Stephanus and cried with a scornful laugh-- - -"I won't run away, Stephanus Groblaar, and you may have this useless -baton." As he uttered the words he pitched the baton full at his enemy. - -Stephanus fired as the baton left Ned's hand, while he ducked. Where -the head of Ned had been the bullet struck the wall and knocked a piece -of stone out. - -But Stephanus had no time to fire again or evade the baton. Full in the -face it struck him, and down he also went. - -A faint cheer broke from some of the onlookers, while they turned and -scattered, leaving the victims to their fate. The Zarps were coming in -force. - -Ned saw them coming, and, jumping over to Stephanus, he plucked the -smoking revolver from his grasp, and quickly returned to the wall. - -"We're in for it now, Fred. I guess we'll be hanged for this morning's -work." - -"What's the odds?" replied Fred. "We've shown them that English men are -not curs." - -"Stand back, you fellows, or I'll pot some of you. We surrender, only -let us go gently." - -"Ugh!" grunted the Boers, as they looked round them at the carnage. -"Throw aside your shooter. We won't hurt you and spoil the gallows." - -Ned flung down the revolver, while some of the police went for -stretchers. The others contented themselves with closing round. - -Seeing that they did not offer to molest them, the boys knelt down to -look after Clarence. He had been hit over the head and stunned, but was -now recovering. As they lifted him up he opened his eyes and groaned. -Then he struggled up and looked round him, somewhat confused, for a -second or two. - -"Hallo! Is it all over?" - -"Yes, Clar," replied Ned. "All over, for the present. The next scene -will be prison. Can you walk?" - -"I'd rather say so," replied Clarence, rubbing his skull gently. "By -Jumbo! but that was a clinker I got. It has made a new bump as big as -an ostrich egg. Ah yes, I can waltz along with you two." - -To the surprise of our heroes, their captors treated them quite gently -on their way to jail. They merely held them firmly by the arms, and did -not attempt either to kick or jerk them about, as was generally done -with prisoners. - -Behind them came the stretchers with the wounded men who lay inertly, -and after them followed a numerous crowd. The men kept silence, but the -women waved their handkerchiefs and cheered. - -Ned, Fred, and Clarence had won popularity. Even the Boers treated them -with grim respect, and said-- - -"These pups can bite as well as bark. Ugh, it's a pity they are not -Boers." - -About a couple of hours after their incarceration they received a visit -from Mr Raybold. He had come as soon as he heard about the affair, and -although he looked very grave, yet he did not reproach them. - -"I expected something like this from you young blades; but it is a -serious scrape for all that." - -"Any of them killed?" asked Ned, coolly. - -"No, not quite so bad. You have broken one man's jaw, and spoilt the -nose of young Groblaar. The other two are not much the worse, only -they'll make the most of their bruises." - -"I suppose so; when they make such an outcry over the couple of men they -lost at Krugersdorp. What do you think will be done to us?" - -"You'll be sent on to Pretoria first place. But what will happen next, -no one can foretell. They may sentence you to death, or hard labour for -life. I hope I may be able to get you off with a heavy fine, as the -Boers love cash almost as much as they do revenge. What were you doing -when they set upon you?" - -"Absolutely nothing," replied Ned. "We had just parted with Mr Martin, -and were about to move on, when four big scoundrels pounced upon us." - -"That will not matter," replied Mr Raybold, dolefully. "Oom Paul has -denied any hearing or trial for Chief Justice Kotze. He charged him -with maladministration of justice, and swore in the Volksraad that he -was a liar. When they can treat their own judges in this fashion, they -are capable of hatching up any charge against you. However, we shall -not have long to wait before we know." - -"I hope you won't pay any fines for us, sir," said Ned. "I am sure we -would all rather go to hard labour, or whatever else they like to -sentence us to." - -"We shall see," returned Mr Raybold, shaking his head sadly. "I wish -this day had passed in peace, for tomorrow you would have been out of -this tyrant's clutches." - -"We are sorry also in one way, but our resistance has not made much -difference. I fancy Stephanus Groblaar has got up some story about us. -I had a quarrel with him out on the veldt, and for some reason he seems -to bear me ill-will." - -"Ah! tell me about that?" said Mr Raybold, quickly. - -Ned told him about the fight, and the words he had used on that -occasion. - -"This is bad--very bad. They sentenced a man the other day to two -years' hard labour for merely shouting on the Rand, `Nobody gets justice -in this country.' What that fine speech of yours may cost us, with the -additions which this young Groblaar may put to it, it is hard to say. -Never mind. Keep up your courage, lads. Your friends will not leave -you undefended; and we are all mighty proud of you for your pluck." - -Clarence took leave of his father very tenderly, while the others -received warm hand-grasps. Then the Rand capitalist left them a good -deal comforted by the interview. - -They did not know, but to be able to see them at all had cost Mr -Raybold a tidy sum in the way of palm-oiling. Like the Eastern prisons, -as in every other department of this Republican Government, corruption -ran very high, from the President to the meanest official. - -On the following morning they were examined, and charged with a whole -list of offences; then, after this preliminary farce was over, they were -handcuffed and taken, closely guarded, to Pretoria to be tried. - -CHAPTER THIRTEEN. - -TRONK LIFE. - -Although our heroes had been brought up amidst the comforts and -refinements of better-class English life, they were not fastidious. - -Their recent overland experience among the burgher farmers had taken a -good deal of the fine edge off their susceptibilities as to eating, -drinking, and lodgment. It had also opened their eyes considerably as -to the inconsistency of humanity. Those bare, dirty, and barn-like -homesteads which satisfied the Boers generation after generation, and -compared to which many of the huts of the Kaffirs were fragrant--the -cow-dung and blood-blended plaster and flooring--were, to say the least, -peculiar in their aroma to the nostrils of strangers. Added to this, -the strong flavour of the Boer tobacco, with which those dens reeked, -rendered the atmosphere more powerful than pleasant to any except a Boer -family. To them, however, it smelt home-like and grateful. - -Outside, the approaches to a Boer farm were kept in a state of absolute -and traditional disregard to all sanitary laws. The refuse and decay -teemed with disease and abomination. No wanderer required a candle in -the window to light them to these abodes of the dopper. Their olfactory -organs would have been quick enough, even while suffering under the most -virulent cold, for at least half a league distant. Wherever the Boer -settled, that part of the veldt became a pigsty. - -Our heroes had experienced all this, and become case-hardened against -unholy perfumes and disgusting sights. Their digestive organs had also -become used to the tough biltong, vile coffee, and unvaried nightly -stews. Thus they were able to stand a good deal of dirt and discomfort -without noticing details. - -They had also gained a considerable insight of the Boers' other -peculiarities. Their utter lack of humour and sullen stolidity; their -merciless barbarity to their servants and cattle, joined to their stern -and one-sided religious fervour. The Bible, the cowhide, and the rifle -were always kept handy for constant use by those pious dopper farmers. -The word of God for themselves and families. The cowhide for their -cattle and servants, and the rifle where the cowhide failed to convince. - -They had seen these farmers flog the Kaffirs within an inch of their -lives for the slightest offence, or perhaps because the master was in a -bad temper, and the Kaffir chanced to be in his road. They had seen -them bring out their guns, if the braced-up and lacerated natives looked -nasty, and deliberately shoot them dead, then go indoors immediately -after, read their Bibles, sing their psalms, and thank the Lord of hosts -for giving them grace. Their infernal cruelties never touched their -consciences in the slightest degree, and they had no fear of the laws of -the land condemning them. Each Boer made his own laws, and these were -merciless. There was no justice for the native; he was a beast to be -down-trodden and enslaved. His land and his life were theirs, the -chosen people of the Lord, to abuse or murder as they pleased. - -Yet they never neglected family worship. Nor would they permit the -stranger to go from them without reading a chapter, and delivering -themselves of an unctuous prayer. Sylvan life amongst the pious doppers -was very unlovely and revolting. - -Having already experienced so much, the young men hardly noticed the -filthy and disgraceful conditions of the Johannesburg tronk, or jail. -That they were crammed into a small cell of ten by twenty feet, along -with twenty-five other prisoners, was nasty; yet they endured this fate -with as much philosophy as they could. - -Twenty-eight prisoners, waiting their trial, were immured in this -suffocating, dark, and noisome den, which could be compared with nothing -else than the hold of a slaver, or the black hole of Calcutta. A third -of these were Kaffir women, and the majority of the rest, the vilest and -most foul-mouthed scum in Johannesburg. - -There was no separation of the sexes; they were all crushed together, -regardless of their ages or offences. The atmosphere was horrible, for -there was no other ventilation than what the opening of the door gave. - -It was opened occasionally by the warders as they thought fit, to give -the captives a little air and prevent suffocation. - -The floors were cemented, and the roof of corrugated iron; but as water -is a luxury in Johannesburg, and the Boers are averse to washing and -also are regardless of dirt, weeks if not months had passed since last -the accumulations had been shovelled out. The mind of an Englishman at -home could not conjure up any idea approaching this abomination of -stench and overpowering heat. - -Here our heroes had spent their first night of Boer prison life, -listening, or rather trying to shut their ears, to the groans, curses, -and obscenities of their fellow-captives. Packed closely together, they -were forced to stand still and upright, with the perspiration pouring -from them, and swallow the poison that entered their lungs instead of -air. - -Many--indeed, most--of these prisoners had broken heads and other -wounds, and these, clotted and untended, added to the disgusting -horrors. - -When morning came, and they were hustled into the Pretoria train, they -felt almost half dead. Faint and breathless, they gasped as they were -dragged into the court, and listened to the charges with dull apathy. -There was little enough fight in them now. - -By the time they reached Pretoria, however, their young constitutions, -aided by the fresh veldt air, had restored both their appetites and -their courage. In spite of their jailors' grunts of disapproval, they -were laughing and jesting more from bravado than through good spirits. - -"We must show them we are game, no matter what happens to us," said Ned; -and his chums' loyalty backed him up. - -In the same train, but in a different compartment, Stephanus Groblaar -and the wounded and battered Zarps travelled to give their evidence. -The boys caught a glimpse of Stephanus as he got out, and could not help -enjoying the sight. The baton had smashed the bridge of his nose and -spoilt what little beauty he possessed. He was marked for life, so that -they would recognise him under any disguise almost. They caught his one -eye glaring luridly on Ned, for the other was bandaged up, and they -grinned broadly as they were pushed past. - -They were marched along to the tronk, getting hasty glimpses of the -Dopper Kirk, where Oom Paul sometimes preaches; the frowning forts and -warlike batteries which he has erected at so much expense to his -insolvent government, as a sign of the friendly disposition of the -Volksraad towards the Uitlander, and the open gallows and stocks, which -also were tokens of the social advancement of the constitution. That -church obstructing the traffic was typical of the people's wisdom and -foresight, as their town lying in the swamp was. They doted on mud and -pestilential swamps, as they piously believed in obstruction, dirt, bad -drainage, and public executions. - -The Pretoria tronk--at least, the part into which our heroes were -locked--was a shade more endurable than had been their lodging of the -night before. Morality, if not sanitary arrangements, was slightly more -observed. - -Their cell, which was the same size as the last, was not quite so -crowded, and they had white companions only, and of their own sex. -Between them and the Kaffirs was a sheet of corrugated iron. - -Small holes were bored in the sheet-iron walls; these were, however, -close to the roof, and did not give them much fresh air. During the day -the heat was intense, as the thin iron became almost red-hot under the -sun-glare. At night it was in proportion cold. - -There had been thirty-five prisoners in this cell two days before, but -eighteen of these had been removed; thus they had only seventeen -companions waiting their sentences. Fortunately, also, the majority of -these prisoners were respectable citizens, whose crimes were as yet to -be invented. Like our heroes, they had been seized upon without any -pretext, without being aware yet of the charges. They would learn all -that at the time appointed by their tyrants. - -Small straw mattresses were given to them to sleep on at nights; these -were placed side by side along the walls, leaving a narrow gangway -between. These mattresses had served hundreds of prisoners before them; -they were dirty in the extreme, worn by holes, and infested by other -inhabitants beside themselves, that not only did not sleep when darkness -fell, but did their best to murder sleep. A Salvation Army -night-shelter might be as lively, but it could not be worse than were -those unhallowed beds. They were placed upon the ground, and each -morning were taken out and aired in the exercise-yard. Otherwise the -cells were devoid of furniture. There were neither seats nor tables. - -All that afternoon the prisoners sat looking on the ground, as far away -from the heated walls as they could get. As they had come in time for -dinner, they got a basin of thin soup with some hard meat and black -bread. This they devoured eagerly. At four o'clock they had a supper -of mealie with salt and water. Then their beds were brought in, and -they prepared to enjoy themselves. They were able to breathe; that was -the sole comfort of that shivering night. Being dog-tired with their -previous night's vigil, in spite of the tormentors that bit and stung -them incessantly, our heroes soon fell asleep and forgot their miseries. - -In the morning at seven o'clock they got another dose of mealie-porridge -and salt with water. Then they were allowed to go and wash themselves -in the muddy streams that ran through the yard. All the prisoners were -turned out to the yard at the same time. Kaffirs, Malays, and whites, -thieves, murderers, and political prisoners, they were all mixed up like -their mattresses, and permitted to wash their clothes and themselves in -the same muddy stream together. - -On this day they were allowed to stay in the yard until five o'clock, -and as it was about one hundred and fifty feet, they were able to take -good exercise and have fresh air. They were not long before they began -to play leap-frog and some other games, including a wrestling match -between Ned and Fred, which was watched with keen interest by the other -prisoners. - -At about half-past two they were pleasantly surprised by a visit from -Philip Martin, who brought with him a Pretoria solicitor. - -Both listened to the story of their arrest, and the lawyer took notes, -after which Philip said-- - -"I think we shall manage to square the Zarps, so that they will let you -off mildly. The man with the broken jaw we must give a golden plaster -to; but your most bitter witness will be Stephanus Groblaar. He will -have his knife into you, and swear anything against you. His father is -a personal friend and tool of the president." - -That night they did not sleep so well; on the whole, it was the most -uncomfortable time they had ever experienced. They were glad when -daylight came and the doors opened to let them out. - -They were first in the yard, and took advantage to be the first in the -stream before it was stirred up. After their bath they once more felt -ready to laugh at their discomforts and woes. - -They had hardly supped their porridge, when a couple of German policemen -came and marched them off solemnly. - -Outside the tronk half a dozen more stiff and wooden-looking bodyguards -were drawn up, armed to the teeth with rifles, swords, and revolvers. -They closed in upon our heroes without a word, merely pointing to the -front as their way to march. Ned, Fred, and Clarence drew themselves up -with dignity, seeing that no attempt was made to handcuff them, and -dusting their clothes with their handkerchiefs, stepped out proudly in -the middle of their formidable escort. Handcuffs sadly spoil the effect -of dignity. They make a prisoner look too pathetic. - -"I wonder where these Noah's Ark Johnnies are taking us to?" said Ned. - -"To the court to be tried, I expect," answered Fred. - -"No," said Clarence. "There is some other game going on with us. Don't -you see these are not the ordinary Boer bobbies? They are the -president's own bodyguards." - -"By Jove! so they are. Perhaps old Kruger is going to interview us. I -hope so, for I'd like to see the grand old humbug." - -"Hush! These fellows are sure to understand English. All Germans do -who leave their own country." - -If they did understand what Ned had so rashly said, they showed no sign. -All emotion seemed to have been drilled out of their big faces, as all -free action had been drilled out of their tall figures. - -Solemnly they marched to the word of command with heads jerked up and -immovable eyes. Right, left, right, left, they planted their feet as -one man, without making a single wrinkle in their coats. They were for -all the world exactly like exaggerated German metal soldiers set working -by mechanism, and newly painted. - -Down through the centre of Church Street they marched, the automatic -movements of the guards so infecting our heroes that they unconsciously -fell into the same step after a few paces. Then only one distinct tramp -could be heard, as each left or right foot crushed upon the ground. The -people on the side paths watched them going along curiously. - -Past the grand Government buildings, with that disputed statue to -Liberty on its centre tower, they strode. The enlightened burghers -greatly object to this statue, as they don't believe in a woman -representing freedom, and think it must either mean Her Britannic -Majesty or the Virgin Mary, both highly objectionable personages in a -dopper's eye. - -On they marched, until they reached the western end of the street, where -a verandahed house stood with tall trees in front of it, and on each -side of the gate a helmeted police-soldier. Then they knew where they -were coming to, and felt a tremor pass over them. They were approaching -the kraal of the savage and crafty tyrant chief of the Transvaal, -Kruger. - -CHAPTER FOURTEEN. - -AN INTERVIEW WITH UNCLE PAUL. - -It was a respectable and fair-sized house of the ordinary colonial -fashion, with a broad covered verandah in front, and fine shady trees -inside the rails--a comfortable and homely place, with nothing special -about it to denote the character or position of its owner, except those -two heavily armed sentinels at the gate. - -Yet our heroes shivered slightly at the thought of the coming interview, -and wished they could have put it off. - -They were not frightened physically of this avowed and relentless enemy -of their countrymen. Whatever he might sentence them to, they were -prepared to meet and endure bravely. - -It was his craft that they dreaded, lest he should by some devilish -artifice lure them into a trap, and so get something out of them which -would hurt their friends. They were frightened of themselves, not of -this wily and ferocious Boer of Boers. - -They were going to be sounded by the man who had been able to deceive -and outwit the smartest British diplomatists, and instinctively they -felt how powerless they would be in his hands. - -That they were taken before him, prior to their examination by the -landdrost, was a sign that he suspected them of being in the possession -of some secret, which he would do his best to worm out of them. His -scowls and threats they could defy, but his preternatural cunning they -trembled to think about. - -"Courage, boys, and caution," whispered Ned, as they paused for a moment -outside the gate. "Let me conduct the palaver as much as possible with -this ponderous Machiavelli." - -"Right you are, Ned," answered his chum in awestruck tones. "I wish we -were safe back in the tronk, though." - -"So do I." - -Kruger, the man who could spoof Great Britain, and drive his own people -like a flock of sheep, appeared, before they saw him in their -imagination, to be almost as colossal a character as their ideal hero, -Cecil Rhodes. Throughout Africa these two giants stood facing each -other, while the rest of the world watched and waited the result of -their deadly duel. Kruger, the champion of everything that was -despicable, oppressive, and false; Rhodes, the champion of chivalry, -humanity, and progress. - -Kruger had won his past triumphs by treachery and unscrupulous -steadfastness. He stood like a rock, defying reform. Rhodes also was -another rock, guarding the lands outside this camp of treason. Kruger -had been able to humbug the Imperial Government, and get what he wanted -from them easily; but he could not humbug this sleepless and powerful -watcher. - -Kruger had his agents and spies everywhere; so also had Rhodes. He was -fighting this Boer with his own weapons. - -Kruger was rich, but he liked to hoard his capital, and get as much as -he could for nothing or by promises. Cecil Rhodes spent his wealth -lavishly. - -Kruger was working for his own hand, and with the malignant purpose of -weakening his enemy and causing discord amongst the nations. Rhodes had -devoted his life and his wealth for his country's welfare, and for the -security of Africa. The one was a tyrant of the worst order; the other -was inspired by the purest and most disinterested patriotism. The one -was distrusted and disliked generally all round, even by a large section -of his subjects; the other was universally respected and loved for his -courage, brain-power, and unimpeachable honesty. - -Our heroes had seen for a few moments the first champion of -civilisation; they were now about to look upon his antagonist, the -impious father of lies. - -There was an air of stillness and depression about the place, which -these two immovable policemen accentuated. The shady verandah looked -dark almost in contrast with the blazing brightness outside. As the -boys looked under the branches, the idea occurred to them that they were -about to enter the web of a gigantic human spider. They could get in -easy enough, but how would they come out? - -They were not, however, kept long waiting at the gate. Their guards -stopped suddenly, grounded their rifles; then, while the two gatekeepers -saluted, they were pushed forward and entered the shadows. In another -moment they were ushered, without ceremony, into the presence of the -master. - -It was a large reception-room in which Kruger sat, with a wide stretch -between the door and the table at his side. - -On the table were placed a huge silver tobacco-box, a large clasp Bible, -and what the young men noted more particularly, the small "three ace" -watch-guard tokens which had been taken from them with their other -effects. There were also a few papers placed handy for, the president -to reach. - -He sat in a big, crimson-covered armchair, with a spittoon at his feet, -and his pipe in his mouth. Behind him, on the wall, they saw through -the tobacco mist a large and harshly painted oil portrait of himself. -The room was smelling like a tap-room, while clouds of rank tobacco reek -floated densely overhead. - -Yet that portrait riveted their eyes, and forced them to look at it -before even the original could command their attention--it was such an -exaggerated and hideous reproduction of all his worst points. It was -also so crudely and vilely painted that it seemed like a gross -caricature. Indeed, it was hardly human, but rather as if it had been -an imaginative attempt on the part of a house-painter, to depict a -gorilla-like, semi-humanised monster. - -A large red face, with swollen heavy features; narrow, bestial forehead; -small, crafty, and sullen eyes, with a baboon-like fringe of white-grey -hair running from the large flapping ears to below the heavy chin. The -lips were shapeless, yet relentless in their downward curve. - -A strange guttural and gurgling sound growled out, and drew their -wondering looks from the portrait to the man himself. President Kruger -was speaking; at least, they supposed that loud and deep mouthful of -explosive gutturals and gurglings was his mode of expressing himself. -It must have been an order, for as they glanced round, they noticed the -guards quitting the apartment, and found themselves alone with the -monster and his secretary or interpreter. - -He was looking at them from under his sullen, pent brows, with ice-cold, -piggish eyes that made them shiver again in spite of their efforts to -appear brave. He was so horribly ugly, so revoltingly animal-like, and -so utterly unsympathetic, that they instinctively recoiled before him. -He grinned ogreishly as he observed this step backward, and taking his -pipe in his huge, hairless, flabby hand, he puffed out a volume of smoke -and expectorated loudly into the spittoon. Then he resumed his pipe, -and leaned back in his chair, still watching them intently. He had awed -them, and he was evidently delighted with the effect which he had -produced, for he chuckled hoarsely as he sent out another huge volume of -smoke from his wide mouth. - -That grim chuckle, with the undertaker-like costume and vulgar -deportment of the animal, undid the first effect of his savage glare. -The boys looked again, and saw only an unmannerly, brutal, and hog-like -old man, with the ugliest face they had ever seen; with elephantine -proportions and shapeless great feet, filling out a gimcrack crimson -chair, while his fat, coarse hands gripped the sides. His portrait had -not flattered him, yet it was distinctly like him, with all its artistic -faults. The narrowness and dense ignorance were all there in both -picture and sitter, so also the intolerance, obstinacy, and brutality -painfully pronounced with his greed, cunning, and plebeian meanness. He -was the same sort of Boer as those that they had seen on the farms -ill-treating their servants and cattle, the same superstitious and rude -dopper who read his Bible and doggedly shut out charity from his heart. -All the rudeness, filthy habits, and moroseness of his race were here in -unbending and irredeemable force, carved and cemented by age and habit -into the hardness of cast iron. - -They were no longer appalled by his ugliness; instead, they were looking -at him with undisguised loathing and contempt. Was this the man who had -hoodwinked men of intellect--this low-bred, stupid, and surly beast, -whose only qualities were vindictive hatred and ignorant, stupid conceit -and arrogance? Surely he could deceive no one who stood face to face -with him, for that countenance was an open index of all the mean vices -which make men abhorred and despised? He looked and acted as if his -proper place was amongst hod-carriers, not politicians. - -They had hit upon the keynote of his dangerous power in their misplaced -contempt. It was this appearance of stupidity that threw keen men off -their guard when dealing with him--this and his hypocritical cant. He -looked no more intellectual than an ignorant local preacher, and as he -was constantly preaching, they forgot to look under his words. Behind -all these state platitudes, and copy-book texts, he plotted with the -cunning and ferocity of a relentless savage. - -After watching them for full five minutes with half-shut eyes, while he -puffed like a steam-engine at his pipe, he made a motion with one blunt -forefinger towards the table. His attendant at once rose and handed him -the tobacco-box. - -This was not what he wanted; still, while it was there, he filled his -pipe and lit it afresh. Then he beckoned again. This time the -secretary handed him one of the ace trinkets. He took it in the palm of -his paw, and regarded it with suspicious eyes; then the lips widened and -the cheeks bulged out, while another mouthful of harsh sounds were -belched forth. The secretary explained this jumble of gutturals to our -heroes. - -"Why do you wear this badge? What does it signify?" - -Ned explained that it was the badge of a club in Johannesburg, of which -he and his companions were members. - -The president broke out as soon as he had spoken, and the secretary went -on with his questions. - -"We know that well enough; but how came you strangers to be members of -this club?" - -Ned answered because they wished it. There was no law against -Englishmen joining it at once on their arrival. - -"Take care, younker, and remember where you are. Answer questions, but -don't make remarks. How many members are there?" - -"I don't know." - -"What is the object of this club? Take care how you answer. We know -already that its object is against the State." - -"Then it is more than I do," answered Ned, boldly. - -"What is done there?" - -"Magazine and newspaper reading and letter-writing. Some of the members -smoke, some play dominoes, but not often." - -"And this design--what does it mean?" - -"The ace of hearts, the ace of spades, and the ace of diamonds." - -"Yes?" - -"That's all." - -"Why not the ace of clubs as well?" - -"Ah! I don't think the citizens of Johannesburg have got that ace," -answered Ned, innocently. - -A chuckle came from the armchair. Then President Kruger for the first -time spoke in very fair English--the tongue he understood perfectly but -hated so viciously. As he spoke he smiled a fat wrinkly smile that gave -his face a simple and grotesque expression of good humour. His voice -was thick and rumbling. - -"You are a slim carl for your age, younker. How old are you?" - -"Eighteen," replied Ned. - -"And you, my young brakjes?" - -Not knowing that "brakje" was a term of contempt, they answered freely -enough. Again Kruger chuckled, while he shook his ponderous head and -pointed his clumsy finger at them. - -"Far too young to be mixed up in conspiracy and treason. Young -gentlemen like you ought to stay in your own country, and not come here -breaking the laws and making riots." - -"We have done nothing, your Excellency," said Ned. - -"Do you call it nothing to knock down four honest burghers, smash the -nose of one and the jawbone of another? Do you call it nothing to -threaten my police with a revolver, and use the insolent language you -have done?" - -He had risen to his feet by this time, pulled himself out of the chair -ponderously and by degrees. As he stood now towering above them like a -hippopotamus, he impressed them with his physical strength. His eyes -were beginning to lighten up dangerously. - -"I have you in the hollow of my hand, you miserable brakjes, as I hold -every dog in my country. What you have so foolishly spoken entitles you -to hard labour for some years. The assault you committed on the -authorities is punishable by death. Do you think I can allow my men to -be injured in this way by boys--eh?" - -"We were only defending ourselves. They struck at us first and without -the slightest cause." - -"It is a verodomde lie. You belong to a nation of liars and vipers, -allermachtij!" shouted Kruger, savagely, an ominous gurgle coming from -his throat, while his right arm began to swing as if about to strike -them, and his eyes became buried under the flesh of his upper lids. - -Ned bit his lips and remained silently facing this ogre, with flashing -looks. - -"Ugh!" gurgled the president, controlling his rising temper as suddenly -as it had been raised. "I can do all this to you, and no one dare stop -me, not even your queen," he added childishly. "I am master here, and -what I will is fate. I can send you to my worst prison, where you will -rot all your miserable days. But I can also be kind and merciful to -those who deserve my clemency. Now, if you will be good younkers and -tell me all that you know, I shall pardon you, and never send you for -trial at all--nay, more, I'll give you each a nice billet, where you can -serve the Republic and make your fortune. Now, are you going to be good -younkers and give me all your confidence freely, as if I was your -father, or your tender-hearted uncle--Oom Paul, you know," he chuckled -unctuously--"or must I send you to rot in the tronk?" - -"We are English, your Excellency, and sons of the Empire, not Dutch -spies and traitors," answered Ned, for his companions, proudly and -without a pause. - -"Then go and--rot!" roared Kruger, bringing his big fist down on the -table with a bang that made tobacco-box and Bible jump. "Send these -ruffians to the landdrost, and let the law take its course." - -The last our heroes saw, for that time, of the humane president of the -Republic, was him puffing furiously at his pipe, with his ugly face -distorted and his eyes out of sight. - -"I guess he doesn't like to be contradicted," said Ned, as the police -once more marched them off. - -CHAPTER FIFTEEN. - -AT NYLSTROOM. - -Tender-hearted and magnanimous Uncle Paul had not come best out of this -interview, neither had he exhibited much of his vaunted diplomacy and -character-reading. Indeed, he had shown himself to be what he was -exactly--a densely stupid and tyrannical Boer, who thought to cow three -lads with his threats, and make them his tools by a little clumsy and -transparent cajolery. This was the only method he had, however, of -dealing with people, and what his parasites termed his greatness. - -His agents and whitewashes have called him a man of deep religious -feeling, honesty of purpose, singleness of life, thoroughness of -character, free from all vices and defects, of great magnanimity, mercy, -clemency, and justice, and possessed of the simplicity of a child. - -Yes; he had the simplicity of a very much spoilt, greedy, and vicious -child. Our heroes had penetrated this side of his nature. They were -now about to taste of his clemency and justice. They had thwarted his -intentions concerning them, and, being a Boer, he could not pardon that -from either man or child. No Boer was ever known to forgive or forget -any rebuff. They never reason; they can only brood upon their side of -the question and plan revenge. - -Kruger showed his thoroughness in the way he pursued them with his -witnesses and private orders to the landdrost. He did this with the -thoroughness of a red-skin. Their advocate was snubbed, and ordered to -sit down the moment he rose to defend them. No witnesses were called on -their side, while people they had never seen came and swore to actions -and words they had never thought about or said. Then the verdict was -given without a pause, and their sentence delivered with vicious -denunciation from the judge. As they listened to him they were almost -persuaded that they were very dangerous criminals, and deserved the -gallows, instead of hard labour and long imprisonment. - -Boer justices, now that Kotze was removed and they had only one will to -consult, did their work with sweeping and drastic force. They punished -not only the criminal, but his friends as well, when they could be got -at. - -Their sentences were-- - -Seven years each, with hard labour. - -œ2000 fine each, or another five years. - -A hundred lashes, to be spread over the first two years in the following -order: twenty-five lashes after the first three months' imprisonment, -and twenty-five each six months after. - -Our heroes laughed at the fines, but they clenched their teeth and vowed -that they would be free or dead before the lashes were inflicted upon -them. - -"If we get free and live, boys," whispered Ned, fiercely, "I hope that -fiend Kruger may not die before I can kill him." - -Mr Raybold and Philip Martin got a few words with them before they were -led away. - -"Don't you pay that fine, father," said Clarence. - -"Not until you are at liberty, then I don't mind what it costs me," -replied his father, brokenly. - -"Don't be afraid, father; the Transvaal hasn't got a tronk that will -keep us in for three months, now that we know our fate." - -Philip stooped and whispered in the ear of Ned. - -"We shall move heaven and earth to get you sent to one jail. After -that, day and night we will work to help your escape. Keep up your -pluck, and take advantage of all chances. We'll have you shadowed with -friends and able horses." - -Ned smiled, and pressed the hand of his friend as he answered-- - -"I will not spend all my time sleeping, you bet." - -It was a desperate life our heroes led after this day, and might have -broken even their spirits, only for the hope they had of accomplishing -their escape. - -After passing a week at Pretoria, they were sent up the country to -Nylstroom, where some heavy road-making was being done. This they did -not object to, as it was so far on the way to Rhodesia. They were glad -also to find that they were not separated. - -Here they were treated with all the ignominy and harshness that the -stupid and merciless Boers could invent to make their captives sick of -existence. They were put into a cell where only natives were confined, -and not allowed any bedding whatever. If they could find space enough -to lie down, that was all the comfort they were permitted to have. - -This, of course, was intended to degrade them as far as possible, and -doubtless would have been a terrible punishment to a Boer. - -But our heroes, being more liberally brought up, did not find the -company of those Kaffirs half the infliction that some of their late -white companions had been. The captive savages were cleaner and more -wholesome, both outwardly and inwardly. - -They were men most of them, whose only crime had been that of conquered -enemies. Tall, powerful warriors they had been once upon a time, with -spirits still untamed, and hearts filled with undying hatred toward -their harsh oppressors. - -As soon as these prisoners discovered that Ned, Fred, and Clarence were -English, and filled with the same hatred as they had, they received them -into their ranks, and treated them with all the kindness and -consideration which they were able to show. - -Several of them formed a blood bond with our heroes, which made them -allies and friends for life. - -One clear benefit in this companionship was that these Kaffirs thus -pledged would be faithful to them. Indeed, amongst the whole gang, -there was not likely to be a traitor or a spy. These poor wretches had -nothing to gain by treachery, for their condition would not be a whit -improved. They all knew the Boers from bitter experience, and abhorred -them as much as they respected their English conquerors. - -By daybreak they were marched out to their work under the escort of an -armed and mounted force of warders. The food served out to them was -mealie porridge with salt, and not too much of that. From the hour our -heroes entered Nylstroom, they were constantly in a famishing condition. - -Yet they had to labour as navvies all day long under the broiling rays -until sundown, with hardly any intermission except the short time -allowed for their midday meal. The overseers rode about abusing them in -German and Low Dutch, and plying their cowhide whips over the backs of -those who fainted or shirked their work. It was worse than slavery, as -these Boers did not care whether the prisoners lived or died. If they -resented the savage stroke by so much as a look, they were tied up and -flogged almost to death. If they showed fight, they were at once shot -down and flung to one side like carrion. - -Our heroes could not have endured the whip even with their hopes of -liberty buoying them up, therefore they laboured with a will, and gave -the brutes no chance of chastising them. Sometimes the whip cracked -over their heads, but fortunately for their future, it did not descend -on their backs. - -The reason for this was that their friends outside had managed to get at -these venal wretches, and paid them a weekly sum to spare the young men -that last outrage. - -They were all the more closely watched for this very reason so that they -might not escape. During the day this would have been impossible, as -before they could have run a dozen steps, they would have been shot -down. - -They had passed a fortnight of this wretched existence, when, one day, -as Ned looked up, he saw a party of horsemen riding past. Amongst them -was Philip Martin, who, catching his eye, pointed quickly north, and -then patted his horse. - -Ned knew what that meant. They were to run northward when their chance -came, where friends and horses would be in readiness. - -His heart bounded as he read the signals and saw his friend gallop past -him. Then he bent and plied his pickaxe with renewed energy. - -In spite of their semi-starvation, the hard labour did not hurt our -heroes. Already they had got over the utter exhaustion that made them -so helpless when they reached their cells. They had lost flesh -woefully, but their muscles were becoming tough and hard as steel, and -their skins tanned and sun-proof. They did not fear but that they would -be able to run once they got the chance. - -Their cell was a small one, with corrugated iron on two sides and -mud-cemented walls on the other two. Each night they were carefully -searched before being locked in, so that it was impossible for them to -smuggle in any tool. - -Still, now that Ned had seen help so close at hand, he did not despair. -What he could not get in himself might be sent to him from the outside. - -That night he told his chums what he had seen, and their spirits rose -wonderfully at the news. - -"They will be on the outlook, I am sure, therefore we must let them know -whereabouts we are located." After some consultation the idea struck -them to hang out a bit of rag from one of the narrow air-holes. If they -did this that night, it was almost sure to be noticed and understood by -those on the watch outside. - -There were fifteen Kaffirs in this cell besides themselves who would -have to be trusted. The lads had seen enough of them to risk taking the -lot into their confidence. - -"Cocoeni," he whispered to a strong young fellow, who had vowed -friendship with him, "would you like to escape?" - -"You bet, baas," replied the Kaffir, who understood and could speak a -little English. - -"And the others, will they help us?" - -"Yes, baas; you may trust us all. We shall all help you if you show us -how." - -"I have friends outside who, when they know where we are, will give us -some instrument to break out of this." - -"Good. And what can we do to let them know?" - -Ned had torn a piece from his shirt while he was speaking; he now said-- - -"Give me a back up, Cocoeni. I'll push out this bit of rag. When the -moon rises they will see it." - -"So will the Boers," said Cocoeni. - -"Oh, we must risk that. If they do wander round that side, they may not -think anything about it. Besides, they are too lazy to do much knocking -about at night." - -Cocoeni willingly placed his face against the wall, and bent his back -while Ned climbed up on to his broad shoulders. It was pitch dark -inside, but they could see the stars through the slits near the roof. - -After the rag had been pushed half through so that one end hung outside -and the other inside, they agreed to watch and watch turn about. At the -first appearance of day they would take in the signal. - -Clarence took the first watch of three hours, while the rest lay down to -sleep. By this time every Kaffir had been told by Cocoeni, and they -were prepared to obey orders. - -Nothing disturbed Clarence. The Boers never troubled themselves to -visit their prisoners during the night, and doubtless not many bothered -themselves to keep awake. - -He saw, however, by the rays of silver that the moon had risen and was -shining on the outer wall. It was a full moon, so that the rag must be -observed if any one was on the watch. - -Fred took the next watch, nor had he anything to report when Ned -relieved him. The moon by this time had moved round to the other side. - -Ned waited patiently for about two hours in the darkness, when, just as -he was beginning to think there would be no answer that night, Cocoeni -touched him, and whispered softly in his ear-- - -"Baas, some one outside creeping gently." - -The keen ears of the savage had heard what Ned could not. - -A few moments afterwards something heavy dropped upon his head, and fell -with a muffled thud on the clay floor. He stooped to lift it, and to -his delight felt the head of a small pickaxe wrapped in flannel. As he -was unrolling it, another article came through the slit, and this he -found to be the handle. - -His friends had understood his signal, and this was their reply. He -hugged handle and head in his arms with an ecstasy of delight. Now, at -last, freedom was within sight. - -It was too late, however, to do anything this morning. In another hour -dawn would be upon them. They must defer operations for another night, -and hide the treasure. - -He explained what he had received to Cocoeni, who woke his friends to -tell them, while Ned did the same with Fred and Clarence. A deep grunt -of joy spoke the Kaffirs' feelings, while our heroes fairly danced with -pleasure. - -To dig a small hole in the corner was the work of the next half-hour, -after which they placed the articles side by side and covered them with -the clay, which they pressed down, and moistening the top from their -water-jug, they smoothed it as carefully over as they could in the dark. - -One of the Kaffirs lay down on the damp clay and dried it with his body, -while the others crawled about and picked up every portion of loose -clay, which they swallowed as they found them. - -Before the first streak of dawn crept in the floor was as clear of -debris as it had been before, and the part over the pickaxe completely -caked and dry. - -Then Ned looked up to see and remove the rag. It was gone. The one who -had brought the gift had removed the signal. - -CHAPTER SIXTEEN. - -BREAKING THE TRONK. - -He is not a gregarious animal the Boer. Except for expeditions of -murder or rapine, when expediency forces him to congregate, he prefers -to wallow in his own sty. - -He does not enjoy night-work, either. The night to him is thronged with -"spooks" and other nameless horrors which he does not care to face. He -can murder a Kaffir in the most atrocious fashion, and think nothing -about it as long as the sun shines, but he dreads that Kaffir's "spook" -after the sun sets. Even the uncertain light of the moon doesn't seem -to comfort him greatly. - -He has no humour in its sprightly and harmless sense. He can appreciate -rough horse-play and clumsy practical jokes, particularly if there be a -strong leaven of cruelty about them, and he is the joker. As a nation, -the Boers have not wit enough to be sarcastic, although they can be -bitter enough at times, and harsh always. But they are possessed, in -its most childish, morbid, and undeveloped state, of imagination. -During the day they are hard-headed, callous-hearted, keen-eyed men, -ever on the outlook to best their neighbours and grab what advantage -they can. Generations of previous warfare have made them quick and sure -with their aim, perfect horsemen, and the finest skulkers in the world. -By day they are impervious and vulture-eyed, and, according to their own -uncivilised mode of conducting warfare, dogged and resolute, if not -brave. We cannot call a man brave who slinks behind kopjes and -circumvents his enemy only by treachery; yet, when driven into a hard -corner, they will turn and fight with the viciousness of desperate rats. - -But at night they are a most timorous and superstitious set of -shrinkers. Every strange sound makes their flesh creep and their hair -bristle. The kloofs, and veldt, and karri are packed with evil spirits, -whose weird revels they no more dare disturb, than would a jackal a lion -while he is feeding. Their God is the Lord of vengeance, their religion -a hotchpotch of rank superstition. - -Our heroes did not fear greatly that the cell would be disturbed while -they were out of it. The prisoners were deputed to do the cleaning once -a week, and Saturday was the day ordained for this duty. On Sundays -they were allowed to rest, as according to the Transvaal laws, no -trekking, or work of any kind, was permitted on that day. - -It was Thursday now, therefore they were almost positive that after they -were driven out, the door would be locked until their return at sunset. - -How wearily the hours dragged on during that day which they fondly -trusted was to be their last in this slavery! - -It was dry weather, fortunately being the middle of the winter season, -as Nylstroom in the summer was one of the most malarial districts. Yet -the sun blazed fiercely down upon the exposed and shelterless place -where they worked, and tried them all severely. - -The mounted warders even became slothful with their whips as the morning -advanced, and found smoking more to their minds than browbeating their -charges. - -Ned and his two chums toiled on even harder than they had ever done -before. They were thrilling with suppressed excitement, and felt glad -of the work that made the hours pass. They scarcely lifted their heads -or rested until the call came for the midday meal. - -Mealie-porridge for breakfast, dinner, and supper becomes monotonous; -yet they were thankful enough even for this fare when it was served out -to them. A mad longing for beef had been on them for some days past. -The thought of it blended with their desire for liberty, so that they -could think of little else. - -"Oh for a grilled steak!" groaned Clarence and Fred, as they bolted -their unsavoury mixture. - -"We'll have it, if all goes well, for breakfast," whispered Ned, to keep -up their courage. - -It was a lovely dream, and they hugged it, and kept their tongues moist -all the afternoon with the sweet anticipation. - -It was astonishing to watch their companions the Kaffirs during that day -of suspense. They wore their customary sullen and apathetic -expressions, as if hope had no abiding-place in their bosoms. Not even -by so much as a flash in their lurid eyes could any one have guessed -that they were thinking of liberty. The only sign our heroes could note -was their extra patience and endurance. When the cowhide ripped across -their bare shoulders, they did not even give a quiver. It might have -been a fly landing on the back of an elephant, for all they seemed to -feel. - -As afternoon drew on, Ned and his chums began to husband their strength. -They dug the pickaxe and spades more lightly into the baked clay, and -played themselves at working as much as possible. - -At last the sun dropped to the horizon, and they were driven back to the -tronk. As they approached, our heroes looked at the walls and building -with keen speculation. The front was the portion occupied by the -warders. A couple of men were supposed to watch the back from opposite -corners, but, as Ned shrewdly surmised, they did not keep a very strict -sentry, otherwise his friends could not have got over the wall as they -had done the night before. - -For the few moments that twilight remained in the cell, they examined -the ground and gave their Kaffir friends directions. The poor fellows -listened attentively to their chosen leader, Cocoeni, and showed that -they were ready. - -Then darkness came, and they began without delay. To prevent the sounds -being heard, Ned and his chums began to sing; the others also made as -much gabble as they could. In the other cells, which were divided by -the iron sheeting, they could hear the prisoners quite distinctly. It -was to prevent them hearing the pickaxe at work that they were making -the row, but as for the Boers, they had no fear of them troubling to -stop a wrangle or a ditty as long as it was not patriotic. Ned took -care of this by starting and keeping up a few of Sankey's hymns which he -knew. While they were singing they likewise prayed fervently for their -deliverance. - -Cocoeni took the pickaxe, as he was the strongest man there. With a few -deft strokes he had broken the hardened surface of the floor; then, -while he dug, the others scooped the earth out of the hole with their -hands. He went down by the side of the wall until he had cleared the -foundations; after this he began to tunnel. - -It took them till long after midnight before they got to the outside of -the wall; then they began to dig upwards. They worked very carefully at -this portion, and carried the debris into the cell by relays. - -At last they had reached the surface, and as some of the earth fell in -upon them, they were able to see the stars. To their joy this side of -the wall was buried in darkness, for the moon was on the other side. - -Ned looked out carefully as soon as the passage was wide enough. - -Halfway across the yard the shadow fell, leaving a patch of whiteness -for some fifteen feet between that and the outer wall, which was about -ten feet in height. - -At each angle a sentry-box stood clearly revealed. As far as Ned could -see, they were unoccupied. The sentinels had evidently left their post, -and the passage was clear. - -One by one they crept out, Cocoeni bringing the pickaxe with him. - -As they stood by the wall, Cocoeni whispered softly to Ned-- - -"Wait, Baas. I creep round and see if no one about." - -He crept off without a sound, while they watched and listened. In a -moment more he was back. - -"All safe that way, Baas. Now for the other side." - -They saw his dark figure glide along the whitewashed wall till he -reached the end, then he disappeared round the corner. - -He was longer gone this time, and when he returned, he was carrying a -heavy load. As he reached them, he laid his burden gently down and -stretched himself up. - -"One Boer done for, Baas. Just caught him in time and brought him -along," he whispered. "You put on him clothes and take him gun, and it -will be safe." - -"Is he dead?" asked Ned, horror-struck. - -"Yes, Baas. Me make no mistake with pickaxe. Other fellow court him -gal on the other side. Quick put on him coat and hat, and go over to -the box. You see other fellow from there. If he still wait, hold up -hand." - -Ned, repugnant as the task was, felt the wisdom of acting upon the -suggestion of Cocoeni. Swiftly he drew off the coat and hat from the -dead Boer and put them on; then, bracing on his bandolier and -revolver-belt, he took up the rifle and boldly crossed the line of light -to the sentry-box. - -There were no windows to this end of the building, while from where he -stood he could see the front gate, outside of which stood the figure of -a stout-built woman pressing against the rails, while inside was the -other sentry, with his face to her and his back to his duty. They were -having their upsitting, or rather upstanding, in the moonlight, and -seemingly totally oblivious to any one or anything else. - -It was gruesome to think of that bleeding corpse within the shadow, and -those ponderous lovers looking at each other with speechless and -moonstruck admiration. Ned shuddered to think of it, and now he was -wearing the blood-soaked hat at the same time. - -However, there was no time to moralise. That Boer lover was likely to -stand there until daybreak without budging, but some one else might -come. - -He put up his hand, and at the signal the seventeen figures left their -shelter and glided across like spectres. Ned could watch them and the -pair at the gate. He was also able to make out that ghastly figure -which they had left behind. - -Cocoeni bent his back and put his head against the wall, while one by -one they clambered over him and dropped out of sight. - -"Now, Baas, your turn," said the Kaffir, softly. - -Ned laid down his rifle and walked over to Cocoeni. - -"How are you going to get up?" he asked. - -"Easy. You go first, I come after." - -In a moment Ned was on the wall. - -"Come on, Cocoeni." - -"Wait a bit, Baas." - -Cocoeni ran over to the sentry-box and snatched up the rifle, then he -returned. - -"Catch, Baas, and get down other side. I be with you presently." - -Ned saw him run back a few yards and then take a flying leap. Next -instant the Kaffir was beside him on the ground, and they were free. - -So far all had gone well. Their danger now lay in the open country, -which spread as clear under the moonlight as if it had been day. As -they got away from the tronk wall they could easily be seen and potted -by any of the authorities who might be posted about. - -However, this had to be risked, and the only course they could pursue at -present was beside the main track. - -They therefore set off as fast as they could run, keeping to the grass, -and making for the kopjes, which were some distance away. Ned had a -notion that they would not have far to go before they met their friends, -if their escape had not been already observed. - -Cocoeni kept alongside of our heroes, and carried both the rifle and -pickaxe, which he had taken a fancy for since the gory deed it had been -the instrument of. The rest scattered and kept on abreast over the -valley. - -They ran past a couple of small houses, rousing the dogs, who started a -chorus of loud yelps, but without disturbing the inmates, apparently. - -They were clear of the township now, and with the open country before -them, yet by no means out of rifle-range, when a most unlucky accident -happened. Cocoeni, by some carelessness or want of knowledge, suddenly -let off the loaded rifle with a bang loud enough to wake the dead. - -Fortunately he had the rifle on his shoulder and pointing skyward, so -that no one was hurt, but the effect meant disaster. It would rouse -every Boer who heard it, and raise the tronk-keepers. - -"You have done it this time, Cocoeni!" cried Ned. "Now it must be neck -or nothing. Forward, boys, with all the wind you can put on." - -There was no time to look behind and see what result that shot had -produced. One and all spun over the ground like racers. - -"Ping! ping! ping!" came the bullets after them. The burghers had got -out of their beds, and were driving away at them from the windows of the -two houses. One poor Kaffir flung up his hands and fell on his face. -The death of the sentry had already been avenged. - -Up the hillside they rushed; they were amongst the stones now, therefore -better able to dodge the bullets. - -For one instant Ned glanced back, and what he saw quickened his paces. -From the tronk gates a body of horsemen were riding out, and spreading -out upon the road. - -"We're done for!" he gasped. "They'll be up to us in five minutes." - -At this instant his ears caught a clattering of hoofs in front of him, -and, looking forward, he saw half a dozen horsemen galloping along the -road, with three empty saddled horses amongst them. - -"Hurrah! we are saved!" he cried joyously. - -"Not yet, my son; but jump up without delay, and we'll do our best," -answered one of the riders, as they reined up beside the escaped -prisoners. - -"Halloa! you've got a tribe with you, I see," said the leader, as Ned -and his chums sprang into the empty saddles. - -"Yes; what about them?" - -"They must run for it and take their chance; we have no more horses -here." - -"Never mind us, Baas. We know where to hide. You get along. The Boers -will follow you." - -"Good-bye, brothers," shouted Ned. - -"Good-bye, Baas! I'll see you again by-and-by, never fear," cried -Cocoeni in his full, deep tones. - -Next instant the troop were riding at full speed, while the Kaffirs had -disappeared as if the earth had swallowed them. - -CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. - -A RECORD RIDE. - -"Halt!" cried the leader, after they had ridden about a couple of miles -at full speed. - -The company at once pulled in their well-trained horses and stood -stock-still. They had quitted the track, and were now just behind the -crest of a kopje, so that their pursuers could not be seen. - -"There, lads, change your prison togs for these more befitting rigs-out, -and eat some of that tucker while we settle off a few of these accursed -Kruger whelps. We have a ride before us which will beat Turpin's ride -to York--for distance, at least--before we can next draw rein." - -His men had dismounted while he was speaking to our heroes, and ran back -to the kopje's crest. They were now resting on their stomachs and -taking aim at the approaching Boers. - -As he spoke he pointed to a bundle which was fastened to each of their -saddles. - -"Get into these as fast as you can slip, and put inside you what you -find in the centre of each swag. We must be off again within the next -five minutes." - -Saying these words rapidly, he left them and the horses, and ran up to -join his companions. - -Our heroes were out of their saddles, and had the bundles unrolled -before he had run half a dozen feet. By the time he had taken his place -on the kopje-top, they had got the riding pants and boots on, and were -buttoning up. In half a moment more they were bracing on their -waist-belts and bandoliers, etc., ready for the journey. - -Then they opened the saddle-bags and commenced devouring some biltong -and biscuit, washing this down with modest sips of cold tea which they -found in their water-bottles. Their teeth were sharp and their -appetites keen with long fasting, therefore they made the welcome viands -disappear as rapidly as they had dressed. - -Meantime those on the mound-top were busy. The Boers had galloped up -with somewhat rash confidence, thinking that they had unarmed men to -cope with. Those in hiding reserved their fire until the Boers were -within a hundred yards. Then they fired unanimously, and emptied six -saddles. - -There were only seven burghers left, and they drew rein in sudden -consternation. - -Bang! went the second volley, and only one warder was left upright. -Without waiting for his quietus, he wheeled about with the utmost -promptitude, and raced back to the tronk as fast as his horse could -carry him. - -They let him go, satisfied with the slaughter they had committed, and, -rising, they ran back to their horses and mounted in hot haste. - -"It is saddle and spurs now, boys, until we get over the border. This -morning's work will raise the Transvaal. Forward!" - -No more was said, but at their utmost speed they set off, and dashed -over the country as if doing a race. - -Mile after mile they sped without slackening rein for an instant. The -moon went down by the west, and the stars grew dim. When the day broke -they were at least twenty miles from Nylstroom, and in the midst of a -wild and lonely scrub. - -They had reached a fording-place on one of the tributaries of the -Limpopo river, and were approaching a native kraal. - -Here they saw a crowd of natives, and with them four horsemen, with a -number of spare horses. - -"You see we have made preparations for you youngsters; at every twenty -miles we have relays waiting right on to Palla station. There we shall -find a sufficient force to back us up if there is any fighting to be -done." - -The natives, who, although under Boer control, hated them furiously, had -beer and roasted meat ready for the new-comers. Galloping up, they -flung themselves off their exhausted beasts and rapidly transferred -their saddles and bridles to the fresh horses. The fagged steeds were -turned out to grass. - -Five minutes only they stayed at this kraal, and while devouring their -meat and drink standing, they told the men who had been waiting about -their last encounter. - -"We must get through before the news can spread, and avoid, if possible, -any more encounters; so here goes to beat the record." - -Together they all dashed on at the same speed as before. That morning -our heroes had their first glimpse of some of the wild game of Africa. -They saw in the distance a herd of quagga, and shortly afterwards -sighted some giraffes fleeting away much more rapidly than they were -doing. - -It was a beautiful and varied country they were passing so rapidly -through. But they were too deeply engrossed in the effort to get out of -it to pay much attention to what they might otherwise have noted. - -In another couple of hours they were joined by a fresh company of four, -and again mounted. - -By midday they had dashed across the border-line, having covered over a -hundred and thirty miles in less than nine hours. - -It was the longest and fastest ride at one stretch which Ned and his -chums had ever taken, and by this time they were almost bent double with -fatigue. - -But they were safe from Kruger and his myrmidons. Clear out of the -country, to which they vowed only to return with those who would -terminate this vile oppression miscalled a republic. - -It was their last stage. A few more miles, and they would be at the -Palla Road railway stations, where they could wait for the up-train to -Bulawayo. - -They slackened pace now that they were so near the end of their -desperate race. As they cantered along, they took out the remainder of -their provender and emptied their water-bags; then, considerably -refreshed, they began to converse. - -There had been no leisure to see much of each other during this record -ride. - -Of the country our heroes could recall a flashing panorama of mountains, -kopjes, and veldt. They had passed through the half-cleared portions of -dark kloof, where tall trees were shooting above dense undergrowth. -They had skirted mealie-fields and Kaffir kraals. They had crossed -half-dried streams, with tangles of reeds lining the banks. They had -startled quaggas, gnus, giraffes, and other tempting-looking game, and -forced them to use their limbs over the wolds as the horses rushed -along. - -They had seen snakes spring aside from their horses' hoofs, and natives -who cheered them on their course with friendly cries; all through that -line the Kaffirs knew who they were, and why they were speeding so -swiftly from the country of the Boers. These natives, who waved their -arms like signal-posts, were scouts who would have warned them had there -been danger in front. They had seen with instantaneous glances all that -they wanted to see, and were fortunately saved from the sight of their -deadly enemies. - -But, until now, our heroes had hardly looked at the men who were risking -their lives to help them over the border. Now, however, that they were -outside Kruger's jurisdiction, they ventured to examine their brave -rescuers. - -Twenty-six men, fully armed, rode beside them. They were all tall and -stalwart fellows, with the exception of the leader, who appeared short -beside these six-footers. They were also all bearded like middle-aged -Boers, and costumed like burghers when on field-duty. - -Dust-covered as they were, and swarthy with sunburn, it was difficult to -gauge their years. Judging from their faces and beards, they might have -been any age from forty to fifty-five. - -From their movements, however, and figures, they ought to have been much -younger men. - -"Well, boys," said the leader, "you have had a bad time of it lately; -but I think your Transvaal troubles are about over--for the present, at -least." - -He had kindly brown eyes, and an open fearless look about him that -greatly took with our heroes. Also, in spite of his late exertions, he -did not appear to be the least bit fatigued. - -"Thanks to you, sir, and these gentlemen, we have achieved what would -have been impossible otherwise," answered Ned. - -"Yes; I own that Kruger's country is not easy to get out of, when the -owners want to keep you. One thing this ride has done, I fear--closed a -good road in or out for any future trekker. By Jove! there will be a -nice kick-up over this affair, and no mistake. You'll have to make -yourselves scarce for a while." - -"But surely we are quite safe in Rhodesia?" asked Ned. - -"Well, that remains to be seen. Kruger will make a mountain out of this -ant-hill. Cables will be sent to the Home Government, demanding their -prisoners to be arrested and returned to them, and large indemnities for -the potted burghers." - -"And what will the British Government do?" - -"Sacrifice you, without a pause, to pacify the old man of Pretoria, and -us also, if we can be traced." - -"Then we have got you into a bad fix, I fear," said Ned, regretfully. - -"Oh, don't concern yourselves about us; we are ready with our alibis," -answered the leader, with a merry laugh. "These gentlemen have been on -the sick list in Bulawayo hospital for the past three weeks, while I -have been looking after the health of my friend and chief, Cecil -Rhodes." - -"I say, Jim," said one of the others, "do you consider it safe for us to -take the up train to Bulawayo?" - -"Perfectly safe. There will be a special waiting for us at Palla, and -we will hang on till after sundown before we board her. A wire up to -headquarters will prepare them for our arrival, then you boys can sneak -back to your nurses, while we make our way to Salisbury. We shall have -to disguise you for that journey, but my friends will be done with their -beards by that time, so one of these each will do for you." - -At last our heroes understood what had been puzzling them as peculiar -about their rescuers. They had disguised themselves for this -expedition. - -Who could the leader be, who was at that time supposed to be looking -after the health of the great empire-maker? They looked at him again -more closely, and then light broke upon them. - -Dr Jameson, of course! The hero next to Rhodes most worth following -and worshipping in Africa. - -He saw from their expressions that they had recognised him. - -"Yes, boys; I am Dr Jim. But no one outside this company must know it. -Your friend Philip Martin wrote to me the fix you were in, so we -thought we might as well have a little outing and help you away. Now we -must finish our task and make you disappear altogether from the ken of -man. That, however, we can discuss with our chief when we see him." - -Words failed our heroes; they could only gaze at this dauntless paladin -with speechless admiration. - -After a time Clarence ventured to ask about his father. - -"Oh, he is all right! He was advised to clear out as soon as you were -sentenced, as he could be of more use to you outside the Transvaal than -in it. He has sold his property and transferred his shares in the mine, -and moved his banking account to Cape Town. He is there also, and -stands the expenses of this so far successful private raid. By the way, -he writes to tell us you wish to do a little exploring." - -"Yes," replied Ned; "that was our intention when we left England, but I -don't know how we can do it now." - -"It will be the very best thing you can possibly do, while the -hue-and-cry is out for you. I think we shall be able to fix that for -you at Salisbury. Meantime, as we are within three miles from Palla -station, and it will not be dark for a couple more hours yet, we had -better take a stretch here and breathe our horses." - -They dismounted, and while their horses were left to feed as best they -could on the veldt, they flung themselves down to have a much-needed -rest. Pipes were filled and lighted, then most of them lay on their -backs and smoked enjoyably while they looked at the deep blue space -overhead. - -No one spoke, they were too tired for that; possibly each one had plenty -to think about as they lay there. - -They had accomplished their purpose and wiped out a few of the general -enemy. They had also taken time by the forelock, and had not much fear -of being stopped on the railway, no matter what telegraphic messages -were sent on before them. Kruger had his spies in Rhodesia as he had -elsewhere, but these agents were known, and could be kept back by those -who were working this affair. - -Dr Jim had the most to think about, for after Bulawayo was reached he -had a long distance to ride before he could drop his disguise and feel -safe. Our heroes also would run most risks. - -But they had a fearless and keen-brained man to guide them and think for -them; they felt they had not much to fear. - -The sky was rapidly changing from deep orange to ruddy violet when Dr -Jim roused himself, and said-- - -"I say, Lawson, you had better ride in advance, and get things ready for -us. We'll be after you in half an hour." - -One of the Boer-like men rose lazily and walked over to his horse; then -mounting, he cantered easily off into the dusk. - -Half an hour later, the ebon sky was clustered with stars; then the -company got up and resumed their journey. - -When they reached Palla they found the station clear of all except the -railway officials, and the engine ready for starting. - -Their horses were put into a couple of boxes behind them. Together they -entered the comfortable saloon, where a good supper was waiting for -them. While they were enjoying this, the train was running along -smoothly at about forty miles per hour, and all their troubles over for -the present. They made no stops, but glided on smoothly through the -night. - -When they woke the train was slackening speed, and the bright morning -sun once more lit up the level veldt and glistened on the zinc roofs of -Bulawayo. - -They had arrived at the present termination of the Chartered Company's -latest and most gigantic enterprise. - -CHAPTER EIGHTEEN. - -THE RIDE TO SALISBURY. - -There was no chance of letters getting in before them, while as for -telegraphic messages, it was too early yet for such to be delivered. - -As they rolled into the station they saw no one about, except the -station-master and one sleepy porter. - -The town had not yet woken up, as they could see from the lack of wood -smoke issuing from any of the chimneys. - -Three of the men denuded themselves of their beards, which our heroes -put on, transforming themselves into middle-aged men in a twinkling. -They left three young fellows, with their handkerchiefs wrapped round -the lower portions of their faces, so that no one could recognise them. -These precautions were needful, even in loyal Bulawayo, for there were -Boer agents here as well as elsewhere. - -The horses were detrained, and led off by their owners to the stables of -the Palace Hotel, where faithful grooms were waiting to receive them. -After delivering over their steeds, each man went by different -directions back to the hospital. As far as they were concerned the ruse -had been entirely successful. As for the special train, it took on a -fresh supply of fuel and water, and dashed off down the line again. - -When the townsmen of Bulawayo would get up and resume business for the -day, there was no one to tell them that a special train had arrived and -departed. - -"So far, so good," said Dr Jim, as he sent off his wire to Salisbury. -"Now, boys, let us get on. We shall find relays all the road up, and, -although we need not make tracks quite so quickly, for the first fifty -miles we mustn't let the grass grow under us." - -They had filled their water-flasks, and laid in provisions while on the -train, so that now they did not wait to look at this rising city. They -put spurs to their steeds and dashed away impetuously towards Gwalo. - -At Imbembesi they had breakfast, having ridden through a lonely, -undulating, and woody country. The landlord of the small inn there was -prepared for them, and did not keep them waiting. After enjoying a good -wash and substantial feed, they mounted fresh horses and went on at an -easy gallop. - -At Shangain they changed again, and kept on until Gwalo was reached. -Here they rested for a couple of hours, while the doctor received and -answered some telegrams which were waiting. - -"As I expected," he said. "The hue and cry is out, but there is no one -to stop us about these parts. We must keep on all night, though, as -time with me is everything." As they rode out of Gwalo he said, "This -is a most interesting locality from an antiquarian point of view: all -round are ancient mine-workings. Some day, when you can spare the time, -you must come back and examine these remains of past races." - -They changed horses twice during the night, resting and eating at each -place, so that when morning dawned they had reached Fort Charter, two -hundred and fifteen miles from Bulawayo, and had only sixty-five miles -more to traverse. At Fort Charter they had a bath, breakfast, and three -hours' rest. - -They rode easy for the rest of that day, and arrived at the Hamyani -River Hotel about sundown. They were only twelve miles now from their -destination. They were not at all fatigued, although they had been for -thirty-six hours almost constantly on their saddles. Their horses were -also quite fresh. - -Yet their leader, for reasons of his own, did not wish to reach -Salisbury until after midnight. They had, therefore, supper here, and -afterwards lay down and had a few hours' sleep. At half-past eleven -they once more took the road, greatly the better for that short repose -and brush-up afterwards. - -Their ride had been absolutely without human incident for the past two -days, except for those people at the hotels. They had encountered -neither horseman nor waggon. At the inns their coming had been provided -for, so that they escaped any outside curious eyes. - -Dr Jim was in a most contented mood now that he had escaped -observation. It did not matter greatly after this if they chanced to -pass or meet any one, since they were so near to the end. He had -rescued three young Englishmen from the remorseless clutches of his -enemy, and punished some of that enemy's satellites. - -"You are in great favour with the chief," he said. "I don't know if he -would have permitted me to leave his side at this time for any one else. -But when he heard your sentences he swore a mighty oath that you should -not taste the cat, even if he had to go himself and pull you out." - -"We also made a vow that we should not be flogged," said Ned, quietly. - -"You are plucky young fellows, and have stood this journey gamely. If -you look after number one, and do your duty, there is a future before -you. Cecil Rhodes, once he takes a fancy, sticks to it through thick -and thin." - -"We shall try to deserve his good opinion, and yours also, doctor." - -"Be true to your country, faithful to your friends, and never shirk your -duty, and you are safe to keep the good opinions you have already -gained. Here we are at our destination." - -As he spoke he turned into a gate that was held open by a young Kaffir -boy, and walked his horse up an avenue of blue gums, that looked inky, -with their pendulous leaves, in the light of the late moon. The bush -spiders were yet busy spinning their silky traps for the unwary, early -morning fly, and the dew lay heavily upon those gleaming meshes. They -were entering by the back road to the spacious Salisbury abode of the -ex-premier of South Africa. - -On each side of them as they rode slowly along were the numerous -outhouses and stables, all substantially built of limestone, and slated. -The gum trees, which had been planted within the past three years, were -already thirty and forty feet in height, and gave out a pleasant aroma. - -In front of them they could see a wide spreading building, surrounded by -three tiers of verandahs, and terminated with picturesque pinnacles. It -was like a large hydropathic rather than a private residence. - -A solemn stillness lay over this building, plunged as it was in -darkness, and rising out of the shrubbery and fruit trees which had been -planted and forced up regardless of expense. Solemnly and darkly this -combined mass of building and foliage, with the delicate filigree -tracings of palm trees and other exotics, rose against the declining -moon. There was not a light to be seen in any of the windows. - -But in a corner of the garden was a small single-storeyed building, like -a summer-house, and here in the two windows facing them gleamed a ruddy -glow of lamplight. - -"The master is still up, Pete?" observed Dr Jim, as they dismounted and -gave their horses to the Kaffir boy. - -"Yes, Baas. He is waiting for you." - -"Then, we must not keep him waiting. Come, lads, and report -yourselves." - -He opened a little side gate, and strode through the shrubbery towards -the lighted windows, with our heroes at his heels. - -For the second time they were about to behold this colossus of Africa-- -the man who never turned upon a friend, or took refuge behind an excuse; -the man who considered his vast possessions as only trust-money for the -good of his country; the most powerful and striking personality of the -nineteenth century. Our heroes did not tremble as they had done when -entering the abode of the ignoble enemy at Pretoria. There were no -policemen here to guard this potent life. He was hedged round by -admiration and affection. Nor had he any dread of the assassin's -bullet, for he was a man absolutely fearless. Yet they approached with -timid expectation for all that. - -Dr Jim tapped at the door, and a strong clear voice bade them enter. -Next moment they were inside a small room plainly furnished with a -table, a few chairs, and a small camp bed. They were in the favourite -sanctum and bedroom of the modern Napoleon. He had been busy writing -before they came, for the table was littered with papers. But at their -entrance, he sprang up quickly, and, taking two strides, held out his -shapely hand and clasped that of Dr Jim with a firm fervent grasp. - -"Welcome back, old fellow, and you also, young gentlemen; let me -congratulate you on your escape." - -He pushed the spirit-decanter and a box of cigars over to Dr Jim, who -helped himself. Then he looked at our heroes with a genial smile. - -"You have been already adding a line to our history, and making -yourselves famous in Africa," he said. "I have here my orders to look -out for you, and hand you back to prison. Ah, there is a fine to do -over this affair. Thirteen valuable burghers gone under, I believe." - -"Twelve I am answerable for," answered Dr Jim, calmly. - -"The thirteenth was killed by one of the Kaffirs who escaped with us," -said Ned. - -He had been wondering how they had got on, and now enquired if any of -them had been captured. - -"Not yet. Nor do I expect they will be. I suppose you made -arrangements about their safety, Jim?" - -"Yes," replied the doctor. "They will be passed on to their own people -by the friendly Kaffirs, while if any care to come up here, the railway -authorities have orders to forward them without delay." - -Our heroes rejoiced to hear this news, for their Kaffir friends had lain -heavy on their minds since they had parted from them. - -"Then, by this time they are into British territory, for these fellows -know their way about much better than either the Boers or we do. We -shall have them up here in a few days. Now, I suppose, you are ready -for your breakfast, and bed afterwards?" - -Our heroes were ready for their beds at least, although they declined -the offer of any more refreshments. - -"Right you are." - -Cecil Rhodes pressed an electric knob at his side, and in another moment -the Kaffir boy Pete appeared. - -"Show these young gentlemen to their bedrooms, Pete, and afterwards go -to your own lair. I shall not require you any more this morning." - -He nodded to our heroes as he resumed his seat at the table. - -"We shall have a chat after you have rested. Don't hurry up before -noon. Breakfast will be sent up to your bedrooms. Now, Jim, old -fellow, you can do without sleep, I know, and there are three hours' -hard work before us here to get over ere I can let you go." - -Dr Jim drew a chair up to the table, and prepared to listen to -instructions. - -"I guess it is no sinecure that post of Dr Jim's," said Ned to his -chums as they left the little house and walked after Pete towards the -big one. - -"When does your master sleep, Pete?" - -"Never, I think," answered the boy. "He is always working and wide -awake. When sun rises he will be off to the veldt for a long ride with -Baas Jim, then all the day they will be working again. Sometimes he lie -down on that little bed for half an hour after lunch, or he have a nap -in his chair after dinner, but that is all he takes of sleep." - -When they got inside, the boy set on the electric light in the hall and -staircase to show them up to their rooms. There he left them, as they -desired him, to manage for themselves. - -Three nights before they had been slaves, with only a caked earth floor -to lie upon. They were now the occupants of a sumptuous bedroom each, -with every comfort and appliance that unlimited wealth could procure. - -Full of heartfelt gratitude, they knelt and poured out their thanks to -the God who had protected them and liberated them from the house of -bondage. Neither did they forget to blend the names of those who had -been the instruments in His hands of their deliverance. Lastly, they -prayed that He might watch over and guard the dark-skinned brothers who -had escaped with them. - -After this grateful offering they crept into the comfortable beds, and -very soon forgot all the troubles of the past. - -CHAPTER NINETEEN. - -THEY START ON THEIR ADVENTURES. - -"Well, boys, at last we are having our desires and realising our wildest -dreams." - -Ned was the speaker, and Fred and Clarence the recipients of his -sentiments. Six weeks had gone by since the night they first slept at -Salisbury, and now they were encamped in the heart of unknown Africa. - -Cecil Rhodes, their benefactor, had taken up their idea of exploring, -and as he never did things by half or in a dilatory fashion, he had -fitted them with every requisite on a princely scale. As it was -dangerous, even with all his great influence, to keep them within the -limits of civilisation, he packed them off promptly and secretly to the -kraal of a native ally, and there they remained perdu until their -carriers and luggage were sent to them. - -They were young and lacking in experience, but, as Rhodes said, so was -Joseph Thomson when he led his first expedition across Africa, and what -the son of a Scottish borderman could accomplish, so ought these plucky -and well-educated young Englishmen. They had all the rudiments of -science needful for their purpose, and experience would teach them the -rest. - -He therefore drew out a careful chart for them to follow, gave them full -instructions how to treat with the natives, and, what was of most -service, sent with them a full complement of tried native hunters, -guides, interpreters, and carriers. They had not a boy that was not -faithful and trustworthy. Each of them knew the man who had sent them, -and could depend upon being well rewarded on their return. - -Amongst their servants, to their great delight, were Cocoeni and six of -their fellow-prisoners. The rest had decided to return to their own -people, but these, having nowhere else to go, volunteered gladly to join -the expedition. - -Cocoeni had some adventures to tell them of their perils by the way. -Fortunately, however, they had all got clear of the Transvaal without -disaster. - -Their outfit was thoroughly complete to the smallest detail. A dozen of -properly salted horses accompanied them, while they had eighty carriers -to bear their luggage. A good waterproof tent was amongst the items, -with medicines, beads, and bales of showy cotton to pay their way along. - -As for arms and ammunition, they had every weapon that was wanted for -the largest game, as well as for smaller kinds. They were also amply -provided with the best and latest improvements in rifles and revolvers, -and sufficient ammunition to last them for a couple of years. - -Ned, of course, took the leadership, and his orders from headquarters -were most liberal. He was given a wide track of yet unexplored country -to traverse, with full licence to use his own discretion. - -"Keep a diary," said Rhodes. "And jot down anything that interests you -specially. Watch carefully the lands you pass through, and their -condition and possibilities, and make the best maps you can of rivers, -mountains, and plains. Above all, look carefully after your own health -and that of your boys, and avoid as much as possible swampy and -malarious ground." - -For all the rest they were to do as they liked. Hunt, enjoy themselves, -make friends as much as possible with the chiefs, and avoid anything -like aggression. - -"Go, and stay away for at least six months, and when you return, bring a -good report of yourselves. And may the Lord watch over you." - -These were the final words of their commander, who, with his lieutenant, -Dr Jim, had come to see them make the start. - -It gave them great confidence to have this great man as their friend and -backer. They knew that he had smoothed many difficulties out of their -path, and also that he would not be idle in their behalf during their -absence. Kruger would not have it quite all his own way with Cecil -Rhodes at their back. - -What a difference had those six months of freedom and responsibility -made upon them! They were master men now in all respects excepting -years. With this large following to look after and provide for, what -remained of their boyhood, which the prison had not shown, now had left -them for ever. Cecil Rhodes knew what he was about when he sent them -off on their own account to face the dangers and trials of exploration. - -"If they come back, as I firmly believe they will, we shall have three -worthy successors to Selous. These boys have brains and good pluck, and -their prison experience will be all to their advantage. I am pleased -with them, and have every confidence in their fitness for the task." - -So Cecil Rhodes said, as he waved his riding-whip to them for the last -time, and returned to his own heavy and multifold duties. - -Filled with fortitude and high hopes, our heroes departed, leading their -company of followers into the tropical forest. They were on the outlook -for adventures, and from the first day they were not disappointed. - -Every hour brought some fresh excitement, and opened new wonders to -their eyes. They were passing through a land perfectly crammed with -animal-life, so that there was no fear of going supperless to sleep, so -far at least. - -Our heroes had been wonderfully particular in keeping their diaries for -the first week or two. A good deal oppressed with the importance of -their mission, and fresh to the work of note-taking, they cudgelled -their brains to find far-fetched and varied expressions, so as to give -their efforts literary style. Their models in style were those -ponderous and laboured essays which generally find favour with dictation -masters, where a word repeated is considered bad form. The result was -that their descriptions were of the grand, verbose, and vague order, -rather than the terse and realistic. Striving to produce effect and -variety of language, they at times forgot the main object, which was to -make themselves intelligible, and present the route vividly in few -words. Redundancy is the failing of juvenile literature. Brevity the -soul of experience as well as wit, and simplicity the gift only of poets -and matured masters. - -They went along, more often thinking of what they should write, than -watching for material by the way. They pulled out their pocket-books -when any particularly erudite words or expressions occurred to them, and -jotted these down with supreme satisfaction, to drag them in somehow in -the day's log. At nights, while sitting at their camp fires, they -compared these high-falutin notes, and mutually congratulated each other -over these jaw-crackers. It was a sweet joy to read them over aloud, -and roll them round their tongues. They were most generous to each -other in imparting their critical advice, and sharing their choice -expressions, while, as they had all been educated in the same school, -the three logs, rolled into one, was written down by Ned, and after -great deliberation and corrections, was laid aside as the final copy. - -This was composed and written, as they fondly imagined, for the -printers. They were mighty particular, therefore, over it, so that it -would read smoothly and roundly, and when done, they compared it with -other travellers' works that they had read, with happy conceit. -Herodotus and Mungo Parke, they admitted modestly, had done as well, -perhaps. Joseph Thomson also was pretty fair with his wise and moral -reflections; but as for those other slovenly writers like Stanley, -Selous, and such-like, they thought their amalgamated journal would keep -them at a respectful distance. - -This juvenile mutual admiration and camp log rolling was a great solace -to them for the first week or so. The journal interfered a good deal -with sport and real business, of course. Thinking of it made them miss -many a fine chance and good shot, and several times ran them into real -danger; but it consoled them all the same, while the novelty lasted, for -those other unavoidable mischances. - -Their carriers did not object, as it gave them many opportunities for -resting, which they would not have had otherwise. - -But Cocoeni and the hunters protested often and vehemently against this -waste of time and opportunities. The hunters, who had started full of -faith in their young masters, lost a good deal of their enthusiasm and -respect, and might have turned heel altogether in disgust, if Cocoeni -had not flagged up their weakening interest. Cocoeni was, however, -their right-hand man and staunch supporter. He was an enthusiast in -deeds of daring and destruction, and equally ready to wash his spear in -wild beast or hostile man. If he grunted impatiently when he saw the -note-book produced instead of the gun, he always did his best to excuse -the weakness and explain the mistake away to his sable brethren. - -"Bah! this is nothing," he would say, when he saw the carefully tracked -animal bound away unscathed, all on account of those note-books. "Don't -be afraid. This is only the beginning. By-and-by you will see our -masters wake up and do great deeds. By-and-by they will not write. We -have been together before, and I know them to be men." - -A timely accident, for which Cocoeni was to blame, either with intent or -through carelessness, terminated this fit of cocoethes scribendi for the -rest of that expedition, at least, and woke them up to sterner duties. - -Cocoeni, whom they trusted with their most valuable effects, was one day -carrying the small valise which contained their entire stock of -writing-material. They were crossing a mountain torrent, which rushed -tumultuously through a chasm and over a series of cataracts, when his -foot slipped, and in an instant the precious packet was swept out of his -grasp and whirled out of sight. - -The caravan was instantly stopped and a wild search ordered, in which -Cocoeni willingly took the lead. - -But, alas! all that was found of the contents of the valise were a -couple of closely written sheets. These Cocoeni brought back in a -smudged and soapy condition after many hours' absence. As for the -broken valise and its pulpy contents, he said he had seen a greedy -crocodile bolt these without compunction at one gulp, and straightway -disappear into a dark pool as if he had taken enough. - -Our heroes spent a doleful night, looking at their crammed note-books -and those two hardly legible sheets of paper, all that remained of their -painful and laboured efforts. - -They had plenty of pencils, but not one blank scrap of paper to use them -on. The wail of Ramma rang in their hearts, and for a time they were -disconsolate. - -Then Ned plucked up his courage and cheered his chums. - -"We'll just have to do a bit of memory practice after this, boys, and -put down all we have seen when we get back to civilisation." - -"Let us keep these two sheets carefully as a specimen of what we are -capable of. I fancy they will rather impress our great chief when he -reads them." - -Comforted with this reflection, they packed their note-books and the -manuscript carefully inside their medicine-chest, and devoted their -future days to adventures, and their evenings to criticism on the faulty -writings of other travellers. This cheered and elevated their minds -greatly, until the time came when note-books and style were completely -swallowed up by action as their valise had been by the saurian. - -When Cecil Rhodes read those two rescued pages he laid back in his chair -and wept. When asked by Dr Jim the cause of his emotion, he replied -that it was out of pity for that poor crocodile. Even the most -loathsome of reptiles deserved commiseration for such a dire fate. - -We quote a few extracts from the precious manuscript which affected this -most reticent of men so visibly. A little will be sufficient to prove -how thoroughly in earnest our heroes were. - -"July 28.--The palaeolithic region over which we are passing possesses -fertile streaks of fluviatile deposits that are most encouraging to -future agriculturists. This superincumbent alluvium is most effusive on -the depressed basins or watersheds. Here also the tsetse fly is -indigenous and multitudinous. Three of our horses have succumbed to the -virulence of these pestiferous and dipterous insects. - -"Memo.--The tsetse is similar in appearance and magnitude to the -ordinary house epidemic. - -"July 29.--After traversing for the past lunar month over more or less -elevated plateaux, with intermissions of gorges and kloofs, we have -commenced our descent into a deep depression, or valley. Before us -extends an umbrageous and interminable wilderness. Precipitous cliffs -bar our progress to the right and left, which have been gradually -approaching each other until we are enclosed in a circumscribed upland -chasm. We must either retrace our steps or enter this lower level. We -have decided to proceed downwards. Hitherto we have been on friendly -terms with the inhabitants. They have welcomed our presence and -imparted to us all the information at their command. They have also -accepted our presents with the most affable liberality. - -"The country over which we have passed has been generally adequately -populated, with distinct communities and agglomerations of huts of -considerable magnitude. It is well watered by rivers and tributaries, -and each village has its own fructiferous plantation, also fields of -maize, manioc, and other granuliferous produce. The Carnivora -fissipedia is well represented in these upland regions, likewise the -ungulated order. We have encountered several lions and leopards, and -demolished a pair of the first and one of the latter species." - -[One of these first-named Carnivora fissipedia had nearly demolished Ned -while he was making his notes for this elaborate extract, only that -Cocoeni came to his rescue just in the nick of time. Ned, however, did -not think this narrow escape worth making a note about. It was merely a -personal item, he said, which could not possibly interest the great -public that he was striving so hard and conscientiously to instruct.] - -"We have been dining on buffalo-steak and elephant heart tonight, having -bagged one of each species this afternoon in a reedy swamp through which -we passed. The pecora was a tough customer to deal with, as we failed -to kill him at the first volley, but eventually he was subdued. The -tusks of the proboscidean weighed over a hundred pounds. We have -inhumed this ivory until our return. Tomorrow we vertigate the forest." - -CHAPTER TWENTY. - -IN THE FOREST. - -Our heroes were encamped within the "umbrageous wilderness," as Ned had -named it. - -A howling wilderness they discovered it to be, where constant vigilance -had to be exercised, and thinkers-out of verbose phrases had no place. - -Each moment of the day and night they had to be on the qui vive, for it -swarmed with hostile enemies, both human, inhuman, and climatical. It -was lovely in its tropic luxuriance and lushness. They cut their path -through a labyrinth of juicy greens and vegetable parasites which -untravelled Europeans see only in the hothouses of their botanic -gardens. Great trunks festooned with tendrils rose and spread over -their heads hundreds of feet. They were able only at rare intervals to -see the lower limbs, for all above was so interlaced and covered, that -an everlasting twilight of green reigned even on the brightest day. - -Sometimes a slender shaft of sunlight penetrated to the canopy over them -and illumined a patch of leaves, making them gleam like old stained -glass, but that was all they saw of the sun. As for moon or stars, they -were perpetually shut out from these secluded glens and avenues. - -Round, as above them, the same mystical shadow prevailed. They could -see an intricacy of snaky rope work and leaves intermingling, the -creepers crossing and recrossing in all directions as they drooped or -sprung up from the dank undergrowth, or threw themselves from tree to -tree in bewildering arches. Through these tough tendrils they were -forced to cut their path. - -The compass was their only guide, and Ned carried it in his hand and -kept his eyes upon it constantly while they were on the march. - -Under their feet they squashed through oozy slime and rank vegetation, -or tripped over spreading roots. They skirted deadly looking pools, -black, and suggestive of unknown horrors where the fluid was visible. -This was, they knew, only visible when it had been disturbed by the -monsters who made it their noisome lair. The other portions were -covered with flowering reeds and treacherous emerald bright grasses. - -There were paths intersecting this malarious dankness, some worn by -human feet, others trampled by the ravenous beasts with which the forest -teemed. - -They passed well-made, fresh-cut, and straight paths at times, but they -did not use these tempting ways, for they knew the traps which they led -to, as well as they knew that murderous eyes were watching them from the -closely woven thickets and impenetrable canopy that covered them. - -They crossed streams where the clear water ran noisily over sandy -shallows or flowed smoothly beneath waving leaves. Sometimes the ground -became elevated and rocky, then again it dipped into dark hollows that -made them shudder at what lay below them. At times they had to surmount -precipices and listen to cataracts thundering down unknown depths. At -times they drew back with horror at the covered edges of inky chasms. - -At night the blackness was palpable, except when it was rent up by the -most vivid lightning-flashes and appalling thunder-peals. Then they -heard all round them the splitting of limbs and crashing of giant trees -which had been struck, while the tornado shrieked high up and the rain -poured down solidly. - -The atmosphere was as airless, moist, and sultry as that within a -Turkish bath. Whether they walked or stood during the day they were -always wet with perspiration and gasping for breath. At night cold -exhalations rose from the slimy soil and chilled them to the marrow. - -It was the dry season, or none of them could have survived this march. -Yet it is never dry in those forests. - -In the mornings the densest of fogs shrouded everything, and clung to -them like a vast grey muffler. This entered their lungs and nearly -choked them with its thickness and heavy effluvia. While it lay round -nothing stirred. Nature seemed dead, animal and insect life asleep; a -weird and ominous hush brooded over the scene like the sombre stillness -of a grave. They were entombed and spell-bound with the universal and -dim death-silence. - -When this vapour dispersed, the labyrinth would suddenly start into life -and swarm with motion and sounds. Birds would shriek at the welcome -light, baboons chatter and swing themselves aloft with merry and noisy -antics; butterflies would flutter and gleam with gorgeous colours as -they sported through the open spaces. - -Swarms of fierce mosquitoes and other venomous insects buzzed and flew -about, stinging viciously. Ants dropped down their necks or rushed up -their trousers in countless hordes and with maddening effect. These -tormentors never left them alone day or night. Under the deadly bite of -the tsetse fly their most seasoned horses fell one by one, and had to be -left behind before they had gone very far. This, however, did not -discourage them, and when they came to the rock climbing they felt they -were better without these poor beasts. - -All night long the forest resounded with the roaring, trumpeting, and -other strange cries of wild beasts, while round their fires they could -see at times an outer circle of flaming phosphorescent eyes. During the -day they could see sometimes what they took to be a stout tendril or -limb detach itself from the tree and glide noiselessly out of their -path. Sometimes also what they thought was a mud-covered log in their -path would suddenly gape horribly at them, showing serrated rows of -gleaming teeth inside the ugly long snout, while the seedy monster -wallowed ponderously into the turbid bog. - -These were only a few of the countless perils which beset them every -foot of their leafy journey. The reptile, animal, and insect world -encompassed them with as deadly intent as the noxious vapours. But what -they had to look out for and dread more than these were the human -savages who infested and disputed the upper branches with the man-like -apes. - -But our heroes were resolute, and held on undauntedly day after day. -They kept to one course with the dogged perseverance of Englishmen, and -their followers followed after them with blind confidence. - -The wild beasts and savages they scared with their gunpowder and -bullets. The malaria they fought with their medicine chest. The insect -pests they endured with philosophy. - -They went along happy and fearlessly, for it was their nature to enjoy -danger and exertion. Their youth, buoyant spirits, and cheerful -confidence not only supported them, but inspired their followers with -the same fortitude, while their pure constitutions, unimpaired by any -excess, rendered them almost invulnerable to the insidious grip of the -fever. In this their patrons had made no mistake. Where older men -would have succumbed they passed on unscathed. - -"I tell you what, boys, I call this jolly fine experience, and I -consider us lucky to have it," cried Ned one night, as he carefully took -a bead at one of a pair of glowing green eyes which were shining out of -the darkness. - -He fired, and immediately a wild stampede took place from all sides with -thunderous roarings, while a bulky body leapt into the firelight and -rolled over, clawing the ground in its death-throes. - -He had made no false aim this time, but had brought down a -well-developed leopard. - -"A pity we cannot take those skins with us. The people outside won't -believe in our stories when we have nothing to show on our return. But -we cannot cart any more luggage. Never mind, we have something to boast -about all the same, whether we are credited or not, when we get back." - -"If we get back," murmured Clarence, gloomily. - -Since his knock on the head by the Boers, Clarence had suffered now and -again from depressed spirits. The organ of hope must have been damaged -somehow on that occasion. At the present moment, however, he had a -touch of malarial fever, which always makes one feel very morbid and -despairing. - -"Hallo, Clarence!" cried Ned. "I see you require some more quinine. -Never mind, old fellow, we shall soon be out of this swamp; then you -will be all right." - -No one paid any attention to the dead leopard as yet. They had grown -used to incidents of this sort, therefore felt little excitement. -However, seeing that it was a magnificent specimen, and appeared jet -black as it lay stretched out, Cocoeni rose and went over to skin it. -While he was so engaged, the others kept a close watch over him with -their guns, ready to shoot any covetous molester. As they watched the -thickets round, they could see dark forms gliding about. These were -wolves and hyenas waiting to devour the carcase when Cocoeni was done -with it. - -From all sides resounded the howlings, sharp cries, and vibrating -roarings of hungry animals on the prowl. These never ceased all through -the night. - -Neither did the everlasting and varied croaking of the frogs, that kept -up an increasing chorus, running up and down the scale of notes, from -the deep bass of the bull to the reed-like treble of the tender froglet. -Through this orchestra sounded the irritating and brisk humming of the -indefatigable mosquitoes. As Ned remarked merrily, "No one could feel -lonely while this concert went on." - -They had no stint of fresh meat, for as they camped mostly where they -found a running stream, the beasts generally had their choice of the -menagerie as they came down to drink. Sometimes they would pot a fine -young elephant or a hippopotamus, while they could always rely upon some -variety of the antelope family for their larder. - -Each morning and night Ned served out regularly to each man two grains -of quinine. If any showed symptoms of fever, he repeated this mild dose -every half-hour until they were better. Clarence had been under this -treatment for the past two days. - -"How much longer do you think we shall be in this earthly paradise?" -asked Fred, as he brought his Metford up to his shoulder, and took a -careful aim to the left of where Cocoeni was kneeling. - -Ned waited until the bullet had sped on its deadly mission, then he -answered-- - -"Not many days now, I reckon, Fred. We have been gradually ascending -for the last day and a half, as you may know from the more solid state -of the soil under our feet. That stream also, which has kept with us, -shows that it comes from high lands by its speed. I expect we shall -have some climbing to do very soon; then we shall begin to see the sun -and have a breath of clear air." - -"Where are you going to, baas?" asked Cocoeni, who had finished his -skinning, and now returned to his place by the blazing fire. He spread -the hide on the ground, and flung himself upon it as he spoke. - -"Straight ahead, wherever that may take us to," answered Ned. "We will -keep a bee-line as much as possible until we discover something worth -reporting. This course is out of the ordinary track, as any one can -tell from the absence of humans; so that we are sure to find out -something new." - -"Plenty humans by-and-by, you bet, baas; more than you may care to -meet." - -"Still we shall go on, Cocoeni, as far as we can. We shall be friendly -with them, and spare them all we can; but if we have to fight, then we -must do so." - -"That all right, baas. Go ahead, and we will follow, never fear." - -Ned knew this without one of his men assuring him. There wasn't one of -them who would turn and leave him in the lurch. They were all picked -fighters as well as hunters, whose glory and occupation had been battle -from their boyhood, while their pastime was the chase. The oldest man -amongst them was not yet twenty-eight, while the others ranged from -eighteen upwards to that glorious period of manhood and strength. They -were also all tall fellows, belonging to the Matabele and Basuto races, -who were absolutely fearless and disdainful of death in any aspect. -They were devoted friends of Rhodes, who had won their fealty by -courage, and their devotion by kindness afterwards. None would have -turned back if they could, but now retreat was impossible, even if any -would have entertained such a thought. Each man carried his own share -of the load. In this duty our heroes also took their equal part, for -these men were men-at-arms, not henchmen. - -They had cleared an open space, and made a huge fire in the centre, -round which all now lay, except those appointed to keep watch and attend -to the fire. - -High above, the smoke roared and filtered through the canopy of leafage. -For a dozen yards on either side the ruddy flames lit up the massy -trunks, tendrils, and drooping leaves which hemmed them in, with the -fringe of close undergrowth which gave solidity to the thickets. - -They were camped near the bank of a torrent that rushed with impetuous -force over rocks, foaming and swirling over and round these impediments, -and covering the deep pools with curds and bubbles. This was the most -cheerful sound of the many that filled their ears, and it lulled them to -sleep. They had come upon it the day before, and as it was in their -course, they had kept as close to it as they could. - -By-and-by only the watchers were awake, among whom stood Fred, with his -rifle ready for emergencies. He, with Ned, had enjoyed perfect health -since the start; only Clarence gave them any uneasiness. - -He was lying now on three folds of skins stretched face upwards, with -his mouth open, and very wan and sallow. Fred occasionally looked at -him with tender anxiety. He also attended to giving him his medicine -regularly. Doubtless he would be all right when they got out of this -fever-infested valley. He was still able to keep up with them, although -he had not carried anything for the past two days. - -While Fred was looking at his sleeping friend and listening to the -forest outcry, all at once he was startled by the most furious bellowing -and hoarse shrieking, accompanied by the crashing and tearing of some -huge body bursting through the thicket. - -Instantly his rifle was at his shoulder, and the barrel pointed in the -direction of the advancing turmoil. - -Nor had he many seconds to wait before he saw a buffalo, with a leopard -on his neck, rushing at full speed along the open avenue which they had -made in coming straight towards their camp. - -He fired instantly, as did also the other watchers, and before they -could get in second shots, the infuriated beasts had thundered past them -into the other side of the forest. The buffalo had swerved aside at -sight of the fire, and passed just within a couple of feet of where -Cocoeni lay stretched on his new skin. As the pair rushed past, Fred -had a passing glimpse of the red blood glistening ruddily on the sides -of the bull as it gushed out of his wounds. - -Fred calmly reloaded and stood once more at attention, for this was but -one of many such incidents which might be expected before the morning -fog rose and enveloped them. - -CHAPTER TWENTY ONE. - -A BABOON HUNT. - -Towards morning Clarence broke out into a lavish perspiration during -Ned's watch. The moisture poured from him like rain for about half an -hour, after which he sank into a more refreshing sleep. - -Ned during this time kept him well rolled up in furs, after which he -rubbed him dry and covered him lightly, giving him at the same time -about a tablespoonful of brandy. When he woke in the morning he was -clear-skinned, hungry, and better. After a hearty breakfast, they once -more continued their journey. - -They did not progress very fast, as they had to cut through the tangle, -yet, to their joy, they found that they were ascending to loftier ground -each step they took, also that the torrent kept beside them. - -After about six hours of this steady upward marching, the undergrowth -became thinner and the ground more solid. At places they had to climb -over moss-covered rocks, which jutted from the earth. The tendrils, -also, were not so thick, nor the tree-trunks so great in girth. - -That night they pitched their camp at an elevation of over four hundred -feet from where they had lain the night before. The forest was still -dense, but there were greater spaces between the trunks. - -"We are approaching the open!" cried Ned, exultantly. "Tomorrow, -perhaps, we may see the sun." - -A herd of koodoo dashed past them up the hill, followed by a pair of -large leopards, and in their rear a pack of spotted hyenas also coursed -along. - -They fired at random into the koodoo, and brought down four. The second -volley killed one of the leopards and wounded the other, who, however, -made his escape, carrying with him one of the antelopes, while the -evil-smelling jackals disappeared with savage yelps. - -There was a succulent supper that night, which all devoured eagerly, as -they were hungrier than they had been for some days past. - -Next morning they rose all in a healthy and energetic condition. The -usual thick fog was absent, and the green looked lighter which spread -around them. All about them the winged insect and feathered world -seemed more full of life and pleasure. - -They were going up the sides of a decided hill now. By-and-by it got so -stiff that they were forced to drag themselves up by gripping the -creepers that spread over and barred the way. - -The torrent was now a series of cascades as it bounded from ledge to -ledge a swirling mass of foam. At times they lost sight of it -altogether. - -They were toiling over an upward spread of forest-clad terraces. When -they reached one ridge, they found several yards of gentle slope, or -even level ground, with a jutting out of boulders to be surmounted after -these spaces were crossed. Still they were hemmed closely in with -vegetation, and could only see a few feet ahead of them. - -All at once they came to a kind of clearing, where the undergrowth was -trampled down and the tendrils roughly broken asunder. - -"Big man-monkey live about here," said Cocoeni, as he looked about him -carefully. - -In front of them were several gaping avenues amongst the undergrowth. -Ned decided on keeping to one that went in the direction his compass -pointed to. - -They went upwards now cautiously, making as little noise as they could. -There was no occasion to use their axes, as the baboon-path was wide -enough for them to pass through in single file. - -Cocoeni and two of the hunters went first, and some feet in advance of -the others. All were on the alert, with their guns ready and their -hearts beating with suppressed excitement. Not a word was spoken. They -even held their breaths as much as possible, and took care not to make -any rustling with their feet. - -This was new game to our heroes, and they were trembling with eagerness. -They crossed several of these open spaces as they scrambled up the -heights. - -Before entering these, Cocoeni scrutinised them cautiously and keenly, -while those behind waited on the result. Until he entered they stood -still and mute as statues. The only sound they could hear as they stood -and listened was the loud-sounding and tumultuous rushing of the -torrent. This being close on their left, although hidden, seemed to -deaden all other sounds. - -At the fringe of the fifth opening Cocoeni suddenly drew back, and held -up his hand as a signal for them to advance carefully. - -One by one they crept up until they were able to see what he was looking -at. - -A strange, weird, yet singularly human-like and domestic picture met -their gaze. - -At the root of a huge tree squatted the most diabolic-looking mother-ape -nursing her baby at her hairy breast. She was a gigantic creature, with -the most villainous-looking face that our heroes thought they had ever -looked upon. - -Yet there was an expression of grotesque tenderness and sentiment upon -that dreadful visage as she looked down at her hideous youngster, that -was half pathetic and half ludicrous. One hairy arm was holding the -young ape up, while the other paw was gently stroking its face as any -human mother might have done when similarly occupied. - -But if she was frightful to look at, her mate, who sat at her side and -also watched his offspring with paternal complacency, was the most awful -and devilish monster that the imagination could conjure up as a -nightmare. - -There was nothing ridiculous about him, but a combination of all that -was revolting, bestial, and terrifying. - -His flat forehead and pent brows; his dreadful jaws, which were slightly -open in a senile kind of leer that exhibited his fangs; his shapeless, -bulging paunch, short legs, deep chest, and long arms covered with -dingy-looking hair,--he looked the embodiment of brutality, loathsome -ugliness, and ferocious strength. - -The first glance made them shiver with horror, the second filled them -with the desire to kill this half-human, wholly fiend-like monstrosity. - -The tree under which this awful group sat grew on the edge of a -precipice, while in front of them the torrent could be seen and heard as -it fell into the chasm, with a sound like thunder, from a lofty cliff. -With that thundering in their ears, and the vibration of the covered -rocks under their feet, they did not fear being heard by the brutes in -front of them, Cocoeni made a silent sign, and the hunters crept through -the leafage to make a half-circle round the still unconscious family -party. While they were doing this, he drew back and whispered to Ned-- - -"Don't shoot till I give you the sign. I know how to manage this -fellow." - -"So do I," replied Ned--"from what I have read." - -"All right. Now for him." - -Cocoeni stepped into the open, holding his gun ready, while our heroes -followed him. They knew that they must kill with the first shot or it -would be all over with them. - -Neither of the baboons had heard them, but they had got the scent of the -other hunters, and looked up sniffing the air suspiciously. - -In a moment the male baboon saw his foes, and scrambled upright, fixing -his wicked and ferocious eyes upon them. With a roar that eclipsed the -thunder of the waterfall and echoed horribly in their ears, he opened -his jaws, and grinned on them, showing all his teeth. - -A tremor passed over them, and for a moment unnerved them--he was so -horribly like an exaggerated Kruger as he stood there glaring at them. - -He gallantly waddled in front of his wife and child, covering them with -his ponderous body, while she sat still and waited. This action on his -part the young men could not but admire. - -With another fierce roar he stopped, and beat upon his stomach with both -hands until it sounded like a big drum. He was getting ready for the -fight, and bidding defiance to them. - -Three more paces did he advance, then he once more stood still, and made -the forest resound with his cries and drum-beating; then he threw his -arms out, and crouched ready for the spring. He was about two yards' -distance from them by this time. - -"Fire!" shouted Cocoeni. - -Two rifles belched out at the same moment. Ned and Fred had fired off, -while Cocoeni and Clarence stood ready. - -The monster flung up its arms and fell on his face without a moan. He -had been pierced through the heart and lungs. - -The mother, when she saw what had befallen her mate, did not attempt to -escape. She looked at the prostrate body stupidly for a moment; then, -as if suddenly realising the disaster, she placed her baby on the -ground, and rose, as the male had done, to her feet with a barking roar. - -Ned and Fred meanwhile had fallen back a pace, and put another cartridge -into their weapons. They were cool now that they had succeeded in their -first shot. - -She repeated the tactics of the male, only moved more actively, not -giving them so much time to aim. - -But their shots told all the same, even if she did not die so rapidly. -With a shriek she fell forward, after she was shot, on to the body of -her mate, and there she lay moaning and gasping piteously. - -Our heroes were transfixed with horror at this death-struggle. It -almost felt as if they had committed murder. With her life-blood -streaming out, the mother made a frantic endeavour to cover and protect -her little one, who had run whimpering over to her. She half turned, -and got one hairy arm round it, hiding it on her bosom, all the while -those human-like moans and gasps broke from her. - -But the struggle was short. Even while Ned was aiming to finish her -off, Cocoeni gripped his arm. - -"No use wasting bullets, baas. She is dead." - -Yes; the arm suddenly relaxed its maternal hold, while the moans and -groaning ceased. Only the baby remained. Ned would fain have spared -the little one, but the hunters were round it by this time, and it was -fighting tooth and nail to resist them. Before our heroes were able to -reach it, one of the men had plunged his spear ruthlessly through its -body, and pinned it to the ground. With a series of shrill and -plaintive cries, it writhed for a moment, then closed its little eyes, -and was suddenly still. - -"I don't care much for baboon-hunting," said Ned, with a shudder, as he -turned away, feeling sickish. "I hope we don't meet any more." - -"So do I," echoed Fred and Clarence, hoarsely. - -"If we had missed that fellow, you would have seen nothing more in this -world," answered Cocoeni, deeply and sarcastically. - -"Let us get on," commanded Ned, shortly. - -Then, taking up their loads, they resumed their upward course. - -It was some hours before they could feel comfortable in their minds -after that battue--that is, our heroes. The Kaffirs felt and showed no -emotion whatever. Our heroes, however, walked silently and thoughtfully -through the greater portion of that day, and when they camped that -night, their prayers somehow did not give them the usual satisfaction. -They felt as if they had assisted at a needless and cowardly massacre, -and as if they merited punishment for committing an unworthy crime. -They would have liked to have asked forgiveness for this action. - -Yet these were merely beasts who must have disputed their passage, -soulless monstrosities, for whom it seemed ridiculous to feel pity. The -first and second they had killed in self-defence. - -But the baby--ah, that was what lay so heavy on their consciences! - -"I don't mind the old man one bit," murmured Ned, as he tossed about. -"He was too much like President Kruger for me to let him live, when I -saw my chance to wipe him off. He may have had some virtues--as Kruger -may have. They both appear to be fond of their own, and willing to -fight for them; but that wretched pup--I wish I could forget it." - -Events shortly banished this painful episode from the minds of these -brave adventurers, and the jackals would soon remove the traces from the -earth. Like the leaves of the forest, the lives of men and animals are -trifles of no more consideration than the shadow that crosses a sundial -and marks the hour. - -CHAPTER TWENTY TWO. - -THE THUNDERSTORM. - -Ned sternly put his veto on any more monkey-hunting, big or small, as a -cruel and useless expenditure of ammunition. They were harmless if left -alone, as they were not carnivorous, and totally unfitted for food, -unless for starving men, which this party was not by any means. - -Therefore, while passing through this baboon land, the company, after -this one experience, avoided these open avenues as much as possible. -When, however, they were forced to use any of the paths, they made -plenty of noise, which warned these creatures of their coming, and -frightened them away. It was small honour to the hunter, who possessed -a sure eye, steady nerve, and a good rifle to destroy one of these -missing links of man, who so bravely and foolishly stood still and made -targets of themselves before they made the attack. - -There were leopards and other beasts of prey to be encountered, whom to -bring down caused no after reflections. These were treacherous and -murderous, and, as they lived by violence, so they deserved their doom. - -On the next forenoon after this adventure, they emerged from the -forest--at least, they reached an altitude where the trees were wider -apart and not so densely interlaced. Then they had glimpses of the blue -sky and golden patches of sunlight across their path. This, with the -fresher air, braced them all up wonderfully. - -They were still ascending, and were now fully four thousand feet above -the sea, so that the tsetse flies were left behind them. - -About midday they arrived at the base of some lofty cliffs, which reared -above the tree-tops some fifty or sixty feet. The torrent was still on -their left, and had come to be looked upon as an old friend. It flowed -through a chasm or split in these cliffs, and fell into another abyss -far below their feet. They could see it dropping like a dark blue band -between the branches, while their faces were bathed with the cool vapour -which rose up from the pool into which it leapt. A couple of rainbows -arched this blue ribbon as the sun-rays glistened prismatically amongst -the vapour. - -These cliffs in front of them rose into the most fantastic shapes and -pinnacles. They were of all shapes and sizes, some exactly like ruins -of castles, some like pyramids and obelisks. To our heroes, as they -looked up, they appeared like a range of deserted keeps and -fortifications set there to guard the borders of a strange domain. - -Trees jutted out of each crevice, while gigantic creepers swung like -rope-ladders over the front of these strangely heaped-up boulders. The -long and twisted lines reached from the top to where they stood, some of -them as thick as a man's thigh and others no thicker than a finger. - -It was not at all difficult to climb the cliffs with those tough -tendrils to hang on by, and our adventurers, without a pause, began the -ascent. At length they stood on the crest of one of these castle-like -broken walls, and found that they were entirely the work of freakish -nature. They were rewarded, however, for their exertions by the -magnificent prospect that spread all round them. - -Under them they could see the forest which they had traversed, sloping -downwards and reaching away until it became a blur of blue haze in the -distance. The fierce African sun was pouring down its rays and heat on -this vast mass of vegetation, from which rose a film of unwholesome gas, -that softened the tops of the trees until they seemed like a great ocean -of blended tones. A mighty silence seemed to brood over this vast sea -of quivering colours--the pulsing silence of sleeping life. - -Above them stretched that wide vault of atmosphere, the glad sight of -which they had so long been denied. One and all spread out their arms -as if to embrace the welcome light and pure air. Like the -sun-worshippers, they experienced a kind of adoration for the glowing -orb which was so softly sinking towards the west. - -In front of them extended a flat prairie land dotted here and there with -mounds and kopjes and devoid of trees, excepting near the banks of the -stream, which they could trace as it flowed across the plateau from a -far-distant range of mountains. These mountains were so faintly -outlined against the sky that they might almost be mistaken for a -low-lying bank of clouds. Only their peaks showed them to be land and -not vapour. - -Not a sign of human life could they perceive, either on the plain or on -the banks of the river. No kraals, no huts showed up even, although Ned -looked most carefully through his field-glasses. - -"Have we discovered a new tract of country, I wonder," he said, "as yet -uninhabited? I see not the slightest signs of cultivation, although it -looks as good as Rhodesia or the Transvaal." - -"It appears like it," answered Fred. "Only I wish we had our horses." - -"Yes, that would be fine, for this seems to be a happy hunting-ground. -Look yonder at the peaceful herds of giraffes and zebras. I bet no -white man has been here, this generation at least, with his gun," cried -Clarence, who had now quite recovered his spirits. - -The Kaffirs leaned on their weapons, and looked round them with -glittering eyes. Here, indeed, seemed a country worth trekking to. - -"By George! I do verily believe we are the first discoverers. Let us -christen it at once. What shall it be?" asked Ned, turning to his -companions. - -"Jameson Land, if anything," cried Fred. "He risked his life to rescue -us from prison. He deserves this at least from us." - -"So be it. Welcome to Jameson Land, boys; and let yonder range of hills -be called the Cecil Mountains and this stream the Rhodes River." - -They pitched their camp where they were for the night, and soon -afterwards were busy discussing tea, roasted antelopes, and fresh-made -cake, which the Kaffirs baked from the flour they carried. - -A young moon showed in the sky that night like a silver sickle, and the -stars came out gloriously. As our heroes lay and looked at these -sparkling worlds, they thought they had never seen anything more -beautiful than that overarching spangled vault of heaven. God had been -very good to them to guide them safely so far upon their way. Not a man -had been lost. They were as they had started, all except the horses, -which was, of course, a universal regret. Yet they were grateful, and -did not forget to express it before they went to sleep. - -From the cries that resounded over the prairie as well as in the forest -beneath them, all through the earlier portion of the night, they knew -that there was plenty of sport before them. - -During the night a most tremendous thunderstorm burst over their heads -with a perfect tornado of wind. Fortunately, they were protected from -the full force by those granite cliffs that surrounded them like Titanic -walls. They had chosen for their camp a grassy mound, round which those -strange-shaped rocks upreared. - -The tempest came on, with hardly any warning, just after the young moon -had set. They could hear it sweeping over the forest before it reached -up to them with a most terrific shrieking. They had only time to drag -their loads under the waterproof tent and secure that more firmly, when -all the three elements--fire, wind, and rain--were upon them in full -force. - -What a spectacle this was to those who cared to look! Our heroes crept -to a split in the rocks, and looked out upon the fierce bombardment with -feelings of awe and admiration. - -Over the forest hung the electricity-charged cloud, like a great -war-balloon that had been dropped from the bulging heavens. From this -ruddy and smoke-tinted mass issued a perpetual discharge of forked -lightning. These vivid streaks darted from all sides into that ocean of -rank leafage. It was a magnificent display of fireworks. It needed but -a moderate imagination to transform this driving cloud into a great -demoniac air-vessel armed on all sides with Maxim and Gatling-like -batteries of the deadly flame. - -Without intermission the lurid flashes darted downwards and disappeared -amongst the foliage, each shaft doubtless working havoc with those giant -trunks. From the point our heroes looked, however, they could only -watch the forked streaks of brightness disappear amongst that yielding -blackness. - -High above the rolling clouds reflected this vivid discharge with a -ghostly pallor, while the avalanche of driving rain in the distance -seemed a swirling curtain of blue and silver gauze. - -Loud and quick thunderclaps resounded, one peal after another, like the -rolling of a hundred batteries of artillery. For fully half an hour the -flames and the loud rattle of thunder went on without a break. - -They were above this aerial fire-ship, and could overlook its dark upper -side from which no flashes came. Over it spread a mighty shadow, moving -as it sailed like a black opening in the sky. - -It was driving rapidly towards them, and looked as if it soon must -strike against the cliffs. As yet no wind or rain had reached them; yet -they could see the tempest coming, although there was perfect stillness -around them. They held on to the rocks, and watched the approach of -this death-dealing cloud with fascinated eyes. - -All at once it took an upward sweep, as if drawn suddenly from above. -As it did so, the firing seemed to slacken and become irregular. Now it -was passing over their heads and driving along with the speed of an -express train. At it flew by, it dropped a fire-ball into a large tree -that grew a short distance from where they stood. Like a reed, the -gigantic trunk bent over the edge, and disappeared with a sound like a -shuddering sob. When the next flash came, they saw a great blank where -the tree had stood, with a rift in the rocks as if a ton of dynamite had -exploded there. - -Now the rain and the wind were on them with terrific fury. The -thunder-cloud was miles away, pouring desultory and wanton shots on to -the plateau, as it raced towards the far-off mountains. - -In an instant of time they were drenched, while the tornado shrieked -through the rock-rifts like a thousand vengeful furies. - -The Kaffirs pitched themselves face downwards, and clutched to the -jutting stones, for nothing mortal could have stood upright before that -blast in its first force. Our heroes crouched under the shelter of a -buttress-like boulder and watched, still fascinated, that disappearing -fire-cloud. - -In a few minutes, from the little mound ran a hundred streams and tiny -cascades into the hollows. These speedily became like filled moats, -which swelled upwards until the mound became an island. - -Then the wind and the rain left them as suddenly as they had come. The -sky once more cleared and the stars burnt with increased lustre. - -But their fire had been put out, and for that night, at least, could not -be relighted. - -Luckily, day was not far off, therefore they formed a square outside -their packages, and stood at attention while they waited for the dawn. - -CHAPTER TWENTY THREE. - -ON THE PLATEAU. - -Existence, for the next five days, was the most enjoyable that our -heroes had ever experienced. - -They were in a perfect hunter's paradise; in fact, so plentiful and -varied were the specimens they saw, that the prairie appeared like a -well-stocked preserve. The game was so trusting and fearless also, that -they had about as little trouble to bring it down as sportsmen at home -have over pheasant-shooting. - -It was glorious, but it seemed too good to last long. When a man gets -everything his own way for a time, he is apt to begin foreboding evil to -come. This is an instinct which is planted in man to warn him against -improvidence. Life is made up of changes, and neither success nor -misfortune can last for ever. - -Our heroes had been trusting entirely to chance so far. What they -killed they had partaken as much as they wanted for the day, leaving the -remainder to be devoured by the beasts who came after them, and the -morrow to provide for itself. - -But now Ned began to think it wise to prepare a stock of food to carry -with them, in case the present supply failed. - -With this object in view, he made easy marches, and devoted a portion of -each day to more deliberate hunting, turning into "biltong" what they -did not at present require. These were pleasant occupations to the -whole company, and they went along with cheerful hearts. - -As far as they had proceeded the land appeared to be ownerless, or in -the undisputed possession of the grass-feeding and flesh-devouring -fauna. There were no pathways, no signs that any other human feet had -ever trod over these plains prior to their own advent. This was -encouraging, but it also made them wonder. - -To reach it they had come through a pestilential belt, which might have -hitherto deterred humanity on that side. But what prevented them from -reaching it from other directions? - -This made Ned and his companions thoughtful when they discussed and -speculated upon the yet unknown problem. Was it surrounded by -impassable forests, or worse? - -This they were resolved to discover, but the surmise of what might be -made them take every necessary precaution, so as to be prepared for -whatever chanced. - -Meantime they revelled in the gifts which were within their reach. They -were possessed of everything that was needful to make adventurous men -happy--excepting, perhaps, notepaper, and that luxury they had learnt by -this time to get along very contentedly without. The weather was simply -perfect. Hot sunshine during the day, with pretty nearly always a fair -breeze. Cool dry nights, when they could enjoy their camp-fires and -their fur coverings. - -They clung to the banks of the stream that still coursed along -unfailingly. - -It was of lesser volume now, however, as they had crossed several -smaller tributaries that fed it, so that it was about half the width it -had been in the forest. But it was still of passable size and depth, -considering they were in the midst of the dry season. It flowed -smoothly now, yet with considerable current, and with few windings. - -At parts the banks widened out and became nearly level. In these parts -it lost its depth, and was a series of swampy and shallow marshes with a -narrow winding brook in the centre. These ponds, being thickly covered -with rushes and jungle, were densely filled with feathered game: -koorhaan, francolins, quail, and snipe, also flamingoes, storks, and -ibis birds. Once or twice they started some Koro bustards, and dined -sumptuously on the delicate dainty. - -They could always tell when they were approaching one of these marshy -stretches from the dwindled state of the stream; however, after these -were passed the beds became fuller again, as it was constantly being fed -by tributaries, and appeared to be one of the principal watersheds. -Round the base of kopjes it wound, rippling clear and unceasingly over -its rocky and clay beds; growing smaller as they advanced, yet with -pools deep enough to furnish their daily bath, and fringed with -brushwood enough to feed their fires. - -Every hour they got within range of large herds of African game of some -description or other. Zebra, quagga, and giraffes crossed their path -frequently; antelopes of every variety were met and shot constantly. -Droves of eland, koodoo, hartebeest, reed-buck, and other kinds, -evidently throve here, in spite of their natural enemies, that were also -plentiful. - -They had several encounters with lions during the day, and never a night -passed without their presence being announced by their loud roaring. As -the moon increased, they were able to see these majestic beasts prowling -outside their camp, with their numerous hangers-on, the wolves, hyenas, -and jackals, all helping to render night hideous. Several times, also, -they roused a cheetah, and seldom failed to bring the tiger of Africa to -book when seen. - -As yet, however, they had not met either buffaloes or elephants on this -plain. - -Ned kept strictly to his programme, and led his company straight across -the plateau, only turning a little out of the straight course when -stalking down some special prey. He always returned, however, to his -bee-line as soon as the sport was run to earth. - -The distant mountains were his landmark. Each day they were getting -nearer and more sharply outlined against the limpid sky. The stream -trended directly towards them. - -They had taken matters easy during these five days, seldom covering more -than ten or twelve miles each day of straight travelling. Some days -they had not covered half that distance. On Sundays they always rested; -and as a Sunday had been spent on the plateau, they reckoned that they -had put in about thirty-eight to forty miles since leaving the forest. - -The mountains still lay, as nearly as they were able to calculate, about -thirty miles away. These had been rising gradually on their view, until -now they loomed a considerable height over the horizon. - -As far as our heroes could judge of the ranges, they appeared sterile, -rocky, and uninviting; rugged in outline, with upstarting and fantastic -peaks, that broke against the sky like great tors. - -When the sun shone upon them, the adventurers could see patches of tawny -light, with serrated edges and ragged shadows of violet. There were -also long zigzag lines of deeper purple, that looked like chasms and -steep precipices. Nothing like vegetation appeared to line those bleak -and rugged ridges. - -"If we are in the land of plenty now, yonder appears to be the land of -desolation," observed Clarence. - -"Yes; I fancy we shall see something different over there from what we -have hitherto experienced," answered Ned, cheerfully. "Fortunately, our -friend `Rhodes River' still is with us." - -"It is also growing, like the game, beautifully less as we advance," -remarked Fred. - -It was true. The stream was only a rivulet now, hardly six feet wide, -and not above the ankle in depth. The game they were leaving behind, -and a wave of hot wind seemed to spread from those rocky mountains. - -They made longer marches now, covering on the first day twenty miles, -and bringing up at sundown to where they could see the details of the -mountains very distinctly. - -During that day they had seen, in the extreme distance, a herd of -quaggas bounding away to their rear, and later on had been able to bring -down four white-tailed gnus. These were enough for their supper, and -they had plenty of dried meat. - -They camped by the side of the brook, now less than a yard wide. They -had crossed no feeders for the past two days. - -The soil round them was more stony and bare than it had been, yet close -to the stream the banks were fertile. Before them the ground spread -like a desert. - -The mountain range in front was forbidding in the extreme. The nearer -lap rose abruptly from the plain like a rocky coast. Huge wall-like -precipices, that looked impassable, except where great rents yawned -darkly at places. - -Ned examined these chasms long and silently. The others looked at him -expectantly. - -"Well, Ned, old fellow, what do you think of those gateways?" asked -Clarence. - -"Not much--except as gateways," answered Ned, quietly. - -"Then you mean to go on?" - -"I should like to see where they lead to--yes, we must see where they -lead to," he added, in a more determined voice. "It would never do to -go back and say we were checked by a few rocks. As long as the road -lies open and our supplies last, I'll go on, if you will back me up." - -"Right you are. We won't leave you to go forward by yourself," replied -both Fred and Clarence, while Cocoeni and the Kaffirs nodded grimly -their willingness to go also wherever they were led. - -For the first time since leaving Rhodesia the sense of his -responsibility pressed heavily upon Ned. As he lay that night and -looked over towards the shadowy outlines of those barren rocks, he felt -his resolution waver somewhat. He had many lives under his charge, men -who were prepared to follow him wherever he chose to go. Where was he -about to lead them now? - -Death by thirst and want seemed to lurk within those desolate craigs, -which revealed no speck of gnus upon their tawny and red breasts, and -only the arid shelter of shadow within their stony flanks. - -He curiously began to think what must have been the feelings of Moses -when he looked at the naked peaks of Attika, after he had seen the -pursuing hosts of Pharaoh overwhelmed. These rocks in front of him -could not be more inhospitable than were the red mountains of Attika. -Yet they had been the entrances to the promised land. - -The rank forest had not appalled him as those stern, dry cliffs now did. -Yet the forest held as many dangers--indeed, it hid more varied forms -of horrors than these chasms could: death in the shape of fever, and -submerging in loathsome and treacherous morasses; from venomous -snake-bites, and crocodiles, lions, tigers, and the poisoned arrows of -lurking savages. There was nearly every kind of peril to be encountered -in the forest except one, and here it waited for them--at least, so it -seemed to Ned and his companions--the peril of thirst, the most dreaded -of dooms, next to fire, which humanity shrinks back from encountering. -Would he go on with those dauntless fellows, and dare that terrible -risk, or turn back before it was too late? - -The half-moon silvered the ground with cool lustre. A little way off he -saw several soft-footed, slouching forms prowling about, with swinging -tails and luminous, emerald-green eyes, that betrayed them. While he -watched their restless motions, and the rolling heave of their lean -hips, he became conscious of the musical ripple of that ever-flowing, if -diminished, brooklet. - -"It comes from those sterile mountains," he murmured. "And while it -still flows, we are in no danger of perishing from thirst." - -Braced up with this comforting solace, his momentary timidity and -irresolution passed away, and he felt once more cheerful. Moses and -Aaron had faith. So had the other explorers, both in Africa and on the -frightful waterless deserts of Australia, and many of these daring, -purposeful heroes had endured all and returned to tell the tale. With -manly pride he crushed out all recollections of those who had never -returned, and dwelt only on the lives of those who had come back. - -"Nothing venture, nothing win. If I bring down that nearest lion with -the first shot, I'll take that as a sign that we will be successful." - -The beast in question was squatting at that moment on its haunches, like -a great dog, with its face full towards him, and its phosphorescent eyes -shining like lamps. - -It was less than thirty yards away, and seemed to be glaring full at -him. Doubtless it was waiting and hoping that the dreaded camp-fire -would presently burn out, so that it might get one of those tempting -figures which were stretched round it. About a dozen of its companions -were sitting or moving about, inspired by the same idea that now -engrossed its leonine fancy. - -It was a splendid target, for it sat as motionless as if it had been one -of the boulders that were scattered round. Ned smiled broadly as he -brought his twelve-bore double Metford rifle to his shoulder, and took a -careful aim at the dark space between those glowing lamps. It seemed -trying for a sign with a pretty certain conclusion. Yet if he chanced -to miss, then, indeed, he might well take this as a bad omen. - -With a report that startled the sleepers, the rifle exploded, and made -them all leap to their feet. But before the sound came, Ned had the -satisfaction of beholding the lion bound into the air and roll over on -its side, with those green lamps extinguished for ever. - -"What's up now, Ned?" cried Clarence and Fred, rubbing their eyes. - -"Only a bit of an experiment I was trying," answered Ned, laughing, as -he watched the other prowlers scurrying off with their tails between -their legs like frightened curs. "That old fellow was sitting a little -bit too near my rifle for his health." - -"Was that your experiment?" asked the boys, as they looked sulkily at -the dead lion. "You needn't have woke the whole camp for that easy -practice." - -"I wanted to see if I could possibly miss him, for I had made it the -condition whether we should go on or turn back." - -"As if any one could miss such a mark! Your ordeal of signs is like -what the testing of witches used to be--pretty safe to turn out as you -wished it." - -"I might have missed, you know; aiming in the moonlight has always some -degree of uncertainty about it," said Ned, modestly. - -"Some few of the reputed witches must also have escaped drowning, but -precious few did so, I have read," answered Clarence, sarcastically. -"Then, I suppose, since you must have blown the brains out of that -carcase, the sign is, `Go on and--risk it'?" - -"Yes; that is the result," replied Ned. "Go on and--succeed." - -"That is the consummation devoutly to be wished. Now, don't waste any -more bullets on signs in the shape of lions--until our watch below is -over, at any rate. Be sure, Sir Oracle. We are off again to the arms -of Morpheus." - -CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR. - -THE BASHIKONAY. - -It was not by any means a dull camp since the diaries and note-books -were destroyed. - -Before this fatal accident matters had been slightly monotonous for -Cocoeni and the other young sporting Basuto and Matabele braves. Since -that irreparable loss, however--to use Cocoeni's slangy English--"things -were humming, instead of being humdrum." - -They were merry boys, all of them, and could not have been more wisely -assorted for such an uncertain enterprise. Regardless of danger and -privation, and well-nigh impervious to fatigue, they took their troubles -laughing. - -They made sport of their work, and, unless silence was necessary, turned -their daily march into a Christy Minstrel serenade. Repartee, song, and -jest were the orders of the hours, and never had Ned seen a moody brow -about him since Cocoeni brought the sorrowful tidings back from the -rapids about the saurian and the valise. - -Splendid-looking fellows the natives were, also; the flower and chivalry -of their tribes. Deep brown eyes that could melt with emotion, flash -with courage, and sparkle with fun; lips full, and ever on the ripple -with appreciation of a joke; teeth even and white as the purest ivory -could be; limbs muscular, shapely, and supple, with epidermis smooth, -sleek, and sheeny as satin. Whether they were lying, standing, -wrestling, or running, they were bronze models of grace and symmetry to -draw the eye artistic upon them with admiration and delight. - -Ned put them through their facings morning and evening for half an hour -each time, before they commenced and after they had ended their day's -march. They took to this military exercise most congenially, and as -they were quick to learn, very soon became splendidly drilled soldiers. -He and his chums had cause to be proud of these glorious young warriors, -as with lightning speed they obeyed orders, forming squares, scattering -out into skirmishing order, marching steady as Romans, and pitching -themselves flat on the ground to the word of command. With what they -had learnt of British war tactics, added to their own native training, -Ned had charge of as fine a body of men as captain or centurion could -have desired. - -Our heroes had not been so long from school to forget or forego the -delights of outdoor games and athletic exercises, and these they taught -their followers, much to their delight. - -Cecil Rhodes, with that profound knowledge of men which has made him -such a success, had not omitted cricket-bats, wickets, and balls, with -the more necessary items of their equipment. These furnished them with -constant amusement at such times as they might otherwise have felt -wearied when game was not in their vicinity. - -Football was an unfailing source of amusement with these stalwart dusky -athletes. Ned was referee on these occasions, and Clarence and Fred the -touch-judges. Rugby was their favourite game, and as it was played on -those level veldts, it was a pretty and exhilarating game. - -Cricket also they enjoyed hugely. They usually fixed Saturdays for -their big matches, but some practised all the week. Cocoeni became a -crack bowler, and much of the evenings were spent in discussing the -qualities of the different players. - -They had also racing contests and jumping matches. The steeplechases -would have been eye-openers to some British experts, for these fellows -could leap like kangaroos and run like racehorses. - -They had wild tugs of war, and putting and throwing the weights; also -wrestling, lifting, and club exercise. In all these feats the Matabeles -contested with the Basutos, yet never lost their temper once. - -It was the general good temper and fine control displayed by those hardy -young warriors, as well as their expertness, quickness, obedience, and -strength, that made them such valuable allies. Ned felt that his -hundred and twenty-five trained heroes were equal to a thousand or more -irresponsible savages, if they were forced to fight for their lives. -With these at his back, he was hardly afraid of any odds now that they -knew and could depend upon each other. - -Our heroes were well-trained and religious young men, and while paying -such strict attention to their physical exercises, you may depend upon -it, did not neglect their spiritual devotions. On Sundays they -conducted Church service twice regularly, each of them taking turns to -deliver a discourse suitable to their audience and their own abilities. -They explained the Scripture as they read it, and did their best to -demonstrate how good and beautiful, as well as knightly, were the -qualities of mercy, purity, truth, and faith. - -They showed their heroic and simple listeners that fearlessness, -endurance, courage, and strength were only the common attributes shared -alike by beast and man; that where the man proved his heroism and -superiority over the beast was in his generosity and chivalry towards -his weaker or viler enemy, and also in his humility, trust, and -obedience to the higher and Divine laws of God. When they told of that -great and perfect Example and Sacrifice to humanity, those emotional -Africans sobbed their sympathy for His sufferings for them. He was the -true and perfect Knight who faced and endured ignominy and death that -they might live eternally. - -They pointed out the living example of King Khama, who had proved that a -Christian could also be a brave and great warrior. They told about that -other hero, Gordon of Khartoum, who did not lose his faith or courage -even although so basely betrayed by those from whom he expected help. -The Matabeles and Basutos quickly comprehended and appreciated these -specimens of fidelity and heroism. They remembered, also, during the -week what they had listened to on Sunday. - -"You will be brave in the hour of danger, for that is your nature, I -know," said Ned on one of these occasions. "Be brave enough, also, to -stay your hand in the hot moment of triumph, for that is the moment of -greatest peril to the hero. You can endure privations, I have seen; you -must also learn to resist temptations. The perfect warrior is temperate -in all things, true to his brothers, and true also to his pledge even -when given to a foe. His shield is meant to protect his own body, and -his body is given to him to aid and protect the weak, raise the fallen, -comfort the afflicted, and keep it holy and clean." - -These were boyish orations, but they went straight to the hearts of -those child-like hearers. The ideals were those of uncontaminated youth -appealing to unsophisticated and malleable Nature. Our heroes had no -scoffers amongst their congregation, but only young men devoted to them, -who were as easy to lead upwards or downwards as children. Ned and his -two chums led them upwards as far as they could; and made them to see -how much better virtue was than vice, how much happier faith made one -than did doubt. Each had their departments to debate upon. Ned showed -the greatness of the Creator by botanical illustrations. Fred brought -in his chemistry, and filled them with wonder at the marvels he -revealed. Clarence explained the stars, and entertained them with the -fairy-like tales of astronomy. Thus their days and nights were fully -occupied. - -They began and ended each day with prayer. As they walked along they -felt that they were environed with unseen protection. This inspired -them constantly with renewed and lofty courage. So long as man can rely -on prayer, he need fear no enemy, for his buckler is impregnable. - -On the next morning after Ned had killed the lion, they started at -daybreak towards the mountain. - -They had not gone half the distance, however, when the sun, which had -risen brightly, suddenly became overcast with what appeared to be a -dense, dark cloud, which completely blotted out the light, and threw a -dismal shadow over the landscape. - -Our heroes looked at the dark cloud which was so swiftly rising out of -the east and overspreading the blue sky. It was like nothing they had -ever seen before, of a violet blackness, with copper-coloured upper -edges that glistened metallically. A strange rustling sound came from -it, growing louder as it advanced. - -Myriads of birds circled above this cloud, diving in and darting out -from it perpetually. As it came on with incredible rapidity, they could -see it trailing along and covering the ground like a black pall. - -The Kaffirs flung down their loads, and stood watching it with -glittering eyes, while Cocoeni stretched out his arm and explained the -startling phenomenon with one word, "Locusts!" - -One of the plagues of Moses was coming. Even while Cocoeni still -pointed, the swarming insects with their violet wings were upon them in -countless hosts. - -They filled miles of space with such a palpable mass that only a dim -twilight prevailed. They covered the earth like a fall of snow six -inches deep with no intervening space. All the air was reverberating -with their loud chirping, the rustling of their crisp wings, and the -shrieking cries of the birds who devoured them wholesale, yet without -apparently diminishing their bulk. - -Our heroes were appalled at this numberless host, and dazed with the -darkness and noise. They staggered about trying vainly to shake the -pests off, that dropped so thickly and incessantly upon them. They slid -and squashed thousands under their feet; while they felt sick as they -watched their followers greedily imitating the ravenous birds, and -devouring handfuls of them, as fast as they could chew and swallow. - -For an hour this went on, as the rustling, whistling, shrieking, and -living cloud of darkness swept over them. Then gradually the air -cleared, and the fierce sun poured down upon that glistening and -writhing plain. - -Not a blade of grass or leaf of herbage was left. Around them spread a -barren desert; even the river-bed was choked up with a moving compact -mass of blackness. - -They resumed their march, watching the cloud as it swept westward, and -slipping about as if treading amongst slushy ice, over the ankles. It -was horrible. It was sickeningly disgusting. - -The Kaffirs, however, showed no disgust. After gorging themselves, they -filled their bags with these insects, and trudged along singing merrily. - -"Are they good to eat, Cocoeni?" asked Ned. - -"You bet they are, baas, bully fine. You eat one, and then you will -find out." - -"No, thanks; I'll take your word for it, old man. They ought to be good -for something, since they have used up the country." - -"Oh, next rains will make that all right." - -"Meantime, I suppose there will be starvation amongst the game?" - -"No; they will eat these as we do; after that they will move off to -other parts." - -In another couple of hours the company arrived at the cliffs. The -ground was still covered with locusts, which had been unable to rise, -and the stream-bed was completely filled, so that no water could be -seen. - -In front of them yawned a chasm of about a hundred yards wide. -Wall-like precipices rose on either side and stretched upward for five -thousand feet with hardly a break. A few fissures and cracks were -discernible here and there, but no ledge which could afford a foot or -handgrip for even the most expert climber. - -The ground was hard and stony, yet even here, as far as they could look -into the cavity, it was overspread with locusts. - -The stream penetrated this barren gully, and also continued as far as -they could see. Eastward and west these same smooth precipices -extended, like a coastline until merged in distance. Serrated on the -ridges, at long intervals they presented similar openings to the one -they now stood before. Possibly these were water-sheds in the rainy -seasons, but at present there were no signs of streams flowing. After a -careful survey east and westward, Ned decided that the Rhodes river -opening was the most promising route to follow. - -Without any more hesitation, he strode into the shadow of the cliffs and -out of the sun glare, crushing his hundreds of locusts each step he -took. The rest followed him obediently, still singing as they went -along. - -A crowd of aasvogels had come down from their lofty watching-posts, and -were busy glutting themselves with the locusts. These vultures merely -lifted their ugly bald heads and bare necks and looked at the invaders -as they passed, and then continued their feasting, hardly budging out of -the way. - -After penetrating for about a mile of this shadow-land they crossed the -belt of locusts, and found that the ground was ascending. - -It was paved with water-worn smooth rocks between patches of yellow -sand, and rose in a series of steppes. In the centre of this channel, -the brook still ran purling and clear over its stony bed, with here and -there small fringes of vegetation at its edges. All else, however, -round and above them was sterile in the extreme. A deep silence brooded -over this rocky valley, which, although at present in shadow, was -intensely hot and airless. The sun glared on the upper half of one -side, but the rocks in the bed still retained the heat where it had -lately shone. As they walked, our heroes felt as if enclosed in a -bakehouse. - -They were winding round a corner, when suddenly Cocoeni and the other -Kaffirs uttered cries of affright and rushed into the middle of the -running stream, where they stood in a line, trembling. Ned and his -chums at once promptly followed their example; then they asked-- - -"What is it, Cocoeni, that frightens you?" - -"Look, baas, the bashikonay is coming!" - -CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE. - -IN THE DEFILE. - -"The bashikonay?" echoed Ned in astonishment. "What in the name of this -wonderful country is that?" - -"Ants," replied Cocoeni, hoarsely, while he shivered with unmistakable -fear. "The bashikonay ants eat up every living thing in their way, and -yonder they come in force; they have smelt out the locusts." - -Our heroes looked when Cocoeni pointed with his trembling finger, and -saw marching down the valley a vast army of ants, each insect about half -an inch long. - -They were in close order, and had divided themselves into two lines, one -on each side of the stream. So dense were they that they completely -filled the valley, until no ground could be seen under them. They also -extended in a solid phalanx until the winding hid their tail. They were -coming along in perfect soldier-like order, and running rapidly, with -their officers and scouts directing their movements. - -"Are they so very vicious, then?" asked Ned, as he watched their fine -uniform motions with admiration. - -"I tell you what, baas, if they see us they will eat us up in no time, -and leave our bones clean picked. No man nor beast can meet them and -live. They are terrible, and cannot be fought with." - -"Then are we quite safe here?" - -"I think so--I hope so. They do not like to cross water; besides, the -locusts are what they are after now, therefore, so that we don't stand -in their path, they may pass on. If the front rank passes on, the rest -will follow." - -It was an anxious moment, for our heroes had no desire to test the -eating qualities of those small monsters. It is not nice to think of -being reduced to a skeleton so rapidly; besides, the agony of those -myriad nippers at work in and outside every organ, disintegrating -humanity, was frightful to contemplate. - -Ned thought about the tortures of the iron boot with the boiling oil -poured in, the rack, and red-hot pincers, etc.; but even the imagination -of these failed to come up to the vague horror of being demolished in -this infinitesimal fashion. - -Ages seemed to drag by before the front ranks were on a line with where -he stood. He watched the ruthless little monsters of fate, fascinated, -and thought with horror on the myriads of ogreish, sharp eyes that might -be watching these helpless victims in the tiny stream. - -Onwards, however, they rushed past the human food, without turning to -the right or left; down they wound their course towards the open plain. - -For three and a half hours they filed along, until the sun had almost -set. - -Our heroes and their followers stood meanwhile with their feet in the -water, and their eyes fixed anxiously on that moving mass that had -hitherto left them alone. - -Ned saw a large black snake drop from a crevice in the rock amongst -them. They at once closed upon it, and passed over it. A ripple-like -movement took place amongst the compact multitude where the snake had -dropped. This motion only lasted for a few seconds, then it ceased, and -the army scurried on with methodical and ruthless order. - -At last they saw the end of this frightful army. Ned had attempted a -futile joke about the Jubilee Procession, but no one had laughed. These -little beasts were not suitable subjects to jest about--at least, not -while they were on the war-path. - -They had come in one straight valley-filling line in the van, and they -terminated at the rear in the same rigid form, with no stragglers -dragging up behind. As the last rank filed slowly past, all uttered a -glad cry of relief. - -Cocoeni pointed silently to the trail which this army had left, and our -heroes no longer dared to doubt his assertion. - -Where the black snake had been was a gleaming necklace of white -vertebrae, and a flat grinning skull, and shining fangs. Scattered over -the ground were specks of varied sizes and shades. These were the -excavated and polished shells of insects and reptiles that had not been -so prudent and lucky as were Ned and his followers. The devastating -bashikonay had passed along that way, and, like the Grand Army of -France, had cleaned out thoroughly their line of march. - -It was some time after the last of these resistless conquerors had -disappeared before any of Ned's band dared to venture out of their -sanctuary. These might only be the advance guard; the main body might -be coming on behind. - -Therefore, uncomfortable as it was to have to stand passive for hours in -the centre of a stream of running water, this was infinitely to be -preferred to being caught between two such formidable hosts. - -At length, even Cocoeni appeared satisfied that there were no more of -the bashikonay hosts coming down this particular glen on that occasion. -He therefore suggested that they might once more venture on terra firma, -and place some decent space between themselves and the common enemy. - -This prudent advice they hastily acted upon. Each man grasped his load -firmly, and set off as fast as he could travel up the gorge, without -standing upon the order of his going. - -Traces of these awful ants were seen at every turn of the way. -Beautifully polished and bran-new skeletons, large and small, were -scattered about in every contorted attitude of the most excruciating -agony. - -Serpents with the tail-ends of their vertebrae in their jaws firmly -clenched; centipedes, scorpions, and other creeping and venomous things -exquisitely manipulated and polished of every fragment of corruptible -matter lay about, perfectly cleaned, yet undisturbed, and not a joint -out of place. Splendid museum specimens these were, going to waste. - -Ned, even in his haste, could not help stooping and picking up a few of -these as he ran along. He was astonished at the deadly dexterity and -skill of those voracious workers. Not the most minute fragment of -flesh, marrow, or sinew remained on any of those highly burnished bones. -It was amazing and blood curdling. They had done all this without -disturbing the order of their march. Each insect had snatched his bit -in the passing, masticating it as he rushed onwards, while those -following after had finished the gruesome task. It was numbers, with a -fixed unity of purpose, which made the work compatible with speed. This -was, as Ned said, the biggest co-operative concern that he had ever seen -or read about. - -"I hope these insect fiends are cannibalistic also in their habits, and -that the whole tribe have gone on this locust expedition. It is -something decidedly unpleasant to think that we may have to encounter -them on our return." - -Nothing that they had experienced in the forest had been at all equal to -the horror of those half-inch adversaries. As they passed those -numerous and ghastly tokens of this most terrible foe, Ned and his chums -mentally vowed that it would be better to push ahead, rather than -retreat down that way too quickly again. - -No animal that lived seemed too formidable to be able to resist them. - -Before night came upon them and forced them to stop, they passed a group -of skeletons terribly suggestive. They were those of a lion, a lioness, -and two cubs. They had evidently been overtaken while sleeping in a -little cavity, and devoured before they could move far away from each -other. They lay in a circle, with the gravel torn up round them, in -their impotent and maddening agony. The skeleton of the lion was on his -back, completely curled up, with his thigh bone in his mouth. The -lioness was sprawling with legs far apart, and the cubs in different -positions, each indicative of torture. - -That night they had to do without any fire, as there was no fuel to be -found. Scarcely one of them slept, so unnerved had these sights made -them. However, the darkness passed without any disturbance. Indeed, -the silence of that long night was weird, for it seemed the silence of a -universal death. Nothing broke it. No sigh of wind, no chirp of -insect, not even the rustle of a night adder--only a deep and awful -stillness that kept them awake with horrified expectancy. - -Morning at last arrived, and they went on following the stream and the -whitened trail of those demon ants. - -The gorge was gradually becoming narrower, yet without any diminishing -of those stupendous sides. It was not more than half the width it had -been, and as they looked up, the sky appeared like a ribbon of blue very -far above their heads. They were closed in now with rocks on all sides, -as the chasm was getting more abrupt in its windings. - -All at once they came to the head of the stream, while beyond them -appeared only a dry and stony bed. At this sight the hearts of all sank -and felt like lumps of lead. - -The stream rose and bubbled out of a little fountain, while round it -spread a patch of bright green grass. It was a delicious little patch -of moisture and verdure in the midst of this surrounding vastness of -shadow and sterility. As they flung down their burdens and rested -beside them, they felt as if bidding farewell to their only friend. - -It had been a good and trusty friend to them for many days, becoming -more dearly prized the frailer it grew. It had saved their lives even -at its last stretch, and now it was all they had to depend upon in the -most uncertain future. - -Some brushwood was found on the banks, and with this they made a fire -and cooked breakfast. Then they sat down to consider matters. - -After a long silence, Ned spoke. "Boys, we must see the top of this -defile, and carry what water we require with us for the rest of the way. -I reckon that we are more than halfway through it, and we have -water-bags enough to last us a fortnight with care, and provisions for -double that time." - -"Yes," answered Fred and Clarence, steadily. - -"I don't savy going back yet, with those precious bashikonay behind us," -added Fred. - -"Then let us unpack our waterproof bags and fill them here. We can keep -on for a few days, and if nothing promising turns up, we can easily come -back." - -No one having any objection to offer, this order was obeyed. The -water-bags were unpacked, filled, and the stoppers firmly screwed down. -Then, after a refreshing wash and a big drink, they said good-bye to the -crystal fount, and began their arid journey. - -As the pass became narrower, it also became more steep and winding. -Sometimes the cliffs overhung so much that they lost sight altogether of -the sky, and seemed to be walking through a vast fiery tunnel. - -It was hot and thirst-producing--this climbing over those parched rocks. -The light never left them altogether by day, even within those -closed-in portions. Sometimes they almost wished it had, to shut from -their unwilling eyes some shuddering sights they at times beheld. - -They disturbed ugly-looking and venomous snakes, scorpions, and -yellow-spotted great spiders, with other strange specimens of the -reptile and insect world. - -It was, as Ned had remarked, a wonderful land, this Africa, with its -strange curiosities of animal and insect life. They had seen already -much more than they had anticipated seeing, in the forest and on the -veldt. - -Yet this long and weary passage through the mountains seemed to give -them every hour some new experience of the weird and horrible. As they -struggled on, their hearts beat with expectancy of what was next to be -revealed. - -The gorge was longer than they had expected; three days and nights had -dragged along since they left the spring, and still they did not seem -nearly at a termination. They were going in an undulating, yet on the -whole pretty straight, course north-east, and they were ascending -gradually. - -Already they had risen to an altitude of over six thousand feet above -the plain, yet the cliffs, instead of diminishing in height, seemed to -tower more loftily above their heads. - -It was an arduous climb, and felt prison-like and spirit-crushing in its -narrow limits, yet, since it led them so straight, they could not but -think it must soon end. They reckoned that these most lofty cliffs must -be the centre peaks of the high inner mountains which they had seen from -the distance. - -When the sun was above their heads at noon for a short time, it poured -its rays down pitilessly upon them, and heated the chasm almost to -suffocation point. Then loathsome insects and reptiles crept from the -crevices and frolicked in the furnace-like glow. - -But at night, when the dew fell, it was piercingly cold and damp, even -under their skin wraps and tent. Only once had they been able to find -wood enough to raise a fire since leaving the fountain. Then the effect -on the bulging and smooth cliffs had been like some of the Inferno -conceptions of Gustave Dore. - -"Two more days, lads," said Ned to his dutiful and unquestioning -followers. "If we see no way out of this lane by that time, I shall -turn back." - -They were, however, lured on by the windings and the perceptible -drawing-in of the gorge. At the rate it was narrowing it must terminate -either in a cul-de-sac or an opening soon. - -At last their hopes were realised, and they had palpable evidence that -they must have reached the other slope of the range. - -The ridges were getting lower, or rather they were rising to their -level. - -Daylight became stronger, while the chasm became once more a valley, and -fresher air poured in upon them. - -About midday they were hemmed in by only about fifty feet high of walls -that dipped until they became level with the ground. - -In front of them spread an almost flat ledge, and on it what looked to -be the ruins of a citadel. - -CHAPTER TWENTY SIX. - -IN THE DESERTED CITADEL. - -The crumbling walls and earthquake-rent towers which stood between them -and the deeply blue sky attracted all eyes upwards. - -Then an exclamation from Clarence, who had stumbled over something and -fallen on his face, drew their looks once more down to the ground, and -all stood still for some moments, transfixed with consternation. -Between them and the buildings lay heaped a perfect Golgotha of human -bones. It was like the valley in the vision of Ezekiel. - -The ground took a slight dip at this juncture, then rose abruptly up for -about seventy or eighty feet like an acutely slanting roof. Upon the -crest of this slope were built the outer walls and watch-towers of these -ancient ruins. - -In this moat, or depression, were heaped and scattered mounds of -grinning skulls, gaping ribs, detached arm and leg bones, -shoulder-blades, and the smaller phalanges, which proved at the first -glance that these dry frames were human remains. They were lying singly -at places, in other parts heaped confusedly together in piles, just as -they must have fallen. From the space they occupied there must have -been thousands left here to rot, or to be devoured by birds, beasts, and -insects. - -It was an ominous and an awful sight, which might well have made the -bravest shrink back from those grim and crumbling walls. A large and -solitary vulture sat on one of the upper keeps, and seemed to be the -only watcher left in this deserted fort. He perched motionless and -sharply silhouetted against the rarefied space, like an embodiment of -spent disaster. - -Ned was the first to recover his presence of mind. Stooping down, he -picked up a skull and looked at it critically. It was dry and powdery, -with the combined effects of sun-bleaching and time. Holding it up in -his hands, he said-- - -"The fellow who owned this, once upon a time, has forgotten his pains -and troubles for many years--perhaps centuries. He must have been a big -fellow when he carried it, with a solid brain-pan, although it has now -grown thin and brittle as the finest porcelain." - -"A big fight has taken place here," remarked Cocoeni, holding out the -rusty head of a broken spear which he had picked up, and looking at its -shape curiously. - -The splintered shaft was like tinder, and crumbled between his finger -and thumb like powder; the design of the iron was ancient and strange. - -"That vulture appears to be the only resident at present inside the -fort," said Fred. "Suppose we have a shot at him, and try the effect, -eh?" - -"No," replied Ned. "Keep your ammunition for worthier foes; we may need -all our cartridges by-and-by. Meantime let us try to achieve what these -fellows have evidently failed to do--get over the walls as quietly as -possible, and discover what is behind. Keep your weapons ready for -instant use, and your eyes and ears open, boys. Now, forward, in your -best scaling order." - -They ran swiftly through the crunching bones, and up the steep sides of -the cliffs. A rugged kind of hewn stairway led them up to a massive -square-shaped portal, which was gateless and more than half demolished. -The huge stones of the posts were bulging out, and the top bending over. -As they dashed inside, the vulture rose with a hoarse scream and sailed -lazily away. - -Inside they discovered a large courtyard, heaped with fallen masonry. -Great blocks of ten and twenty feet long lay in every direction, with -gaps in the walls above them, from which they had been dislodged. - -"By George, but they built for time here, when they were at it!" cried -Clarence, looking round him with admiration. - -"Yes," replied Ned. "The builders of this place knew something about -the pyramids." - -It was all of the massive, square, and Egyptian style of architecture: -walls with heavy abutments at the bases; oblong narrow slits for windows -and embrasures; wide spaces which had originally been covered with -paintings, now only showing in undecipherable patches; massive upright -slabs for pillars, with enormous flat lintels. - -At intervals on the tops of the outer walls which enclosed this court -were placed watch-towers, of forty and sixty feet in height. The -thickness of the portal through which they had passed was twenty feet at -the base and about ten at the top, as nearly as they were able to -calculate from below. - -An open gateway within the most massive of the buildings attracted their -attention, but before venturing to explore its dark cavity, Ned formed -his company into a close square; then, bidding them wait and watch, he -ran over to the wall on the other side, and, climbing it by some steps, -he stood on the esplanade with about five feet of wall in front of him. - -Then as he looked over he uttered a cry that quickly brought Fred, -Clarence, and Cocoeni to his side. - -They were overlooking a vast desert that spread far as the eye could -take in, as bare and tawny as the great Sahara. - -This wall had been built upon a giddy precipice, without a break or a -ledge. As they stretched over they could have dropped a stone without -striking anything until it reached the bottom, four thousand feet at -least from where they stood. - -The air was bracing, and would have been cool, only for the intense -waves of heat that were wafted up from the burning sands. - -"Here terminates our journey, I expect, Ned?" said Fred, in mildly -interrogative tones. - -Ned had pulled out his field-glass, and was scanning the far-distant -horizon through it, therefore he did not answer at once. It was a -splendid instrument, and of exceptionally far-reaching power of lens. - -"Tell me, Fred and Clarence, what you see over there?" he asked, handing -the glass to his companions. "Look carefully before you speak, and let -Cocoeni have a peep as well first, before you open your mouths." - -When Fred had looked through it for some moments he handed the glass to -Clarence, who in his turn gave it to Cocoeni in silence. Then the three -friends glanced at each other dubiously. - -"Well, Cocoeni, you say first what you saw." - -"What white man calls mirage, and black man calls devil-land," replied -Cocoeni, grimly. - -"Well, but describe this mirage." - -"I saw trees and water and big houses same as this here, all shimmering -in the air." - -"Yes; but they were only in one part of the horizon--to east and west -there was nothing but sand." - -"That is so, baas." - -"And what did you see, Clarence?" - -"Oh, something the same as Cocoeni. There appeared to be a large lake -in one part, with trees and houses on its margin." - -"And you, Fred?" - -"Oh, I saw the lake, or sea, with the other deceptions," replied Fred. -"But I have seen the same sort of thing in Australia." - -"I bet you didn't, Fred, see exactly the same sort of thing out there!" -cried Ned, excitedly. "Now, you know, the nature of mirages is that -they will show up on all sides when they show at all. Look again, and -see if that lake has altered its position, or if it is repeated anywhere -else than in the one direction." - -After another careful survey, the boys owned, somewhat regretfully, that -their leader was right. The mirage--if it was a mirage--was stationary, -and localised to one part only. - -"It is no deceptive phenomenon," said Ned, decidedly, as he replaced his -glass in its case. "That is a real lake, and those are substantial -buildings, and bona fide trees, or I am a Boer, which is about the last -kind of beast I'd like to be." - -"Then, I suppose, that means you intend to risk the desert?" answered -Clarence. - -"Yes; if we can get down to it. I reckon we can cross that strip of -sand in two or three days at most, and we have water enough to carry us -over it." - -"But, supposing it is a real lake, that doesn't say it is a fresh-water -one," replied Fred. - -"The buildings and trees are vouchers for that. Now let us examine this -present hill. Before we do so, however, we'll climb one of those -towers, and find out what is to be seen from there." - -Ned crossed the court, where his followers were still standing in -square, and entered the doorway of the centre tower on the other wall. - -The stairs were still standing, and firm underfoot; therefore they were -soon on the upper platform or roof. - -Here they could see down the pass which they had come, also two other -approaches or chasms in the mountain. They had likewise glimpses of -high bare centre peaks that reached above the lower ridges. It was a -sterile prospect. Not a tree broke the hard outlines of the ruddy -rocks. They lay baking and bald under the bright, hot rays of the -tropical sun. - -A large flat-roofed building filled out the centre of this -fortification. It was smaller at the top than the bottom, for the sides -sloped outwards as they descended; yet a broad parapet surmounted the -top for several feet, projecting from its sides. The roof was -completely covered over, while the walls were pierced with windows and -loopholes. On the farther side of this building they were able to see -other walls and towers stretching along to a considerable distance. - -"This has been a stronghold to keep invaders from the inhabitants of -yonder lake-watered land; and as far as I can see, the necessity for -keeping it garrisoned has passed away. That heap of bones we saw must -be the remains of some demolished race of invaders. I think we may -venture with all safety inside this building. There does not seem to be -even a jackal about." - -Saying these words, Ned led the way down, and, marshalling his force in -double line, he advanced with revolvers in his hands towards the portal. - -The walls were of immense thickness, and made quite a long passage, -through which they passed silently. - -Before them opened an apartment, so spacious that the entire company, -with their luggage, only occupied an isolated portion of it. It had -accommodation space for at least five thousand people. - -Above their heads the roof rose, misty and indistinct in the feeble -light that pervaded this vast hall. The atmosphere felt cold after the -heat outside, so that it chilled them and made them shiver. Lighted -only by those narrow windows and slits, which were placed high up the -thick walls, a mystic shadow, like the forest gloom, added to the -vastness. They seemed within a mammoth cavern. - -The floor was slabbed with stones, and destitute of furniture, while a -thick layer of dust and fine sand deadened the sounds of their -footsteps. For a time no one dare utter a word, so profoundly had that -gloomy vastness and deathly silence impressed them. - -At last Ned spoke, and at the hollow sound of his voice they all -started; it seemed as if the words had been instantly carried away, to -be repeated faintly in the roof. - -"I wonder what they used this place for? Look at those figures on the -walls." - -The walls, which they could now see more plainly than at first, were -covered with strange designs of figures and animals--men, with the heads -of birds and beasts; warriors in chariots, on horseback, and on foot; -captives being driven along. All the pastimes and pursuits of the -builders were here portrayed in colours, in which black, red, yellow, -and blue predominated. These were faded with age, yet, with but few -exceptions, in perfect condition as far as the outlines were concerned. - -There were no openings along the entire sides, nor, with the exception -of the passage by which they had entered, were there any other portals. -But at the far end they could see daylight shining through a number of -dislodged slabs, which partly blocked up what appeared to be a much -longer passage than that behind them. - -As they grew accustomed to the faint light they were able to make out -two smaller doorways on each side of the centre passage. Ned strode -boldly, followed by his comrades, to the aperture nearest him. - -Inside they found a small chamber; at least, it looked so after the -hall. Yet it was twenty feet wide by nearly thirty long. - -It was lighted from the outer side, and at the end was a small doorway, -on entering which they found themselves at the foot of a staircase, -which led upwards, as they naturally supposed, to other chambers and to -the roof. For the present they deferred the further investigation of -this stair, and tried the other door of the hall. - -A similar apartment waited them here, with a ceiling of the same height, -namely, about eighteen feet. - -But at the end they found themselves confronted by a flight of steps -leading downwards. It was wide enough for four men to walk abreast, and -in good condition. Also, although darker than the hall, yet it was -fairly well lighted by slits in the wall. - -"Ah, this is the road I want to take!" said Ned. "Come along with your -traps, boys." - -They were very soon below the surface of the ground, and traversing -broadly cut steps that led them at a downward angle straight towards the -face of the precipice overlooking the desert. - -They knew when they had reached within six feet from the rock front, -from the turn they took, also by the increased light. This, with -sufficient fresh air to keep the tunnel sweet, had been made by -perforating loop-holes in the solid rocks. - -Ninety-eight steps they counted, as they went downward, of a foot and a -half each in depth. Then suddenly the stairs terminated, while the -passage widened out until it formed another great hall underground, of -about two-thirds the size of the apartment over their heads. - -They stood and looked about them with increased astonishment. - -CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN. - -IN THE PALACE OF THE DEAD. - -The labour of hewing this immense underground chamber from the solid -rock must have been prodigious, unless originally the excavators had -found natural caverns here. - -But this was not what astonished our heroes, so much as the artistic -ingenuity and care which had been expended here. - -In the hall above, the severely plain walls had been frescoed by the -painter's art. Here the sculptor had displayed his mystic and religious -skill with bold as well as intricate designs. - -From floor to ceiling, all along, the walls were carved. There were -also outstanding rose-tinted and white granite massive pillars of -colossean and upright figures, with elaborate ornamental capitals on -their heads, representing head-dresses of flowers, fruit, and grain, or -coiled snakes. At the feet of these huge figures were other symbols to -serve as bases. As these pillars were carved in almost full relief, -they formed deep niches between each, which were shelved up from floor -to ceiling with thick ledges, also cut from the rock. - -The edges of these shelves were most intricate in their symbolic -sculptures. The ceiling, likewise, was closely covered with designs of -a sacred character in bold relief, while even the floor was a mass of -smooth and polished carving. - -The effect of all this subtle and bold work was extraordinarily rich in -the subdued light that filtered in from the one side, making deep and -rich shadows. - -Never had our heroes looked upon anything so profusely beautiful and -mysterious. - -Yet it was not the carving only that made them gasp with admiring -wonder. All over the sculptures gleamed sparkles of gold, chased and -burnished. These glittered in all parts, sometimes in broad veins and -clusters, in other places in star-like specks or thready lines. Going -over to one of these clusters, Ned discovered that they had not been -inlaid, as he at first supposed, but were natural veins of virgin ore, -utilised as they occurred, by the cunning artificers. - -They were in the centre of what was probably the richest gold quartz -mine in the world. The excavators, satisfied with the wealth which had -been already extracted, had carved this monument on the still-teeming -mine, thinking to consecrate it probably in this fashion from covetous -hands. - -There were hundreds of shelves, and the greater number of them were -occupied by sarcophagi, also carved elaborately. - -Whatever the upper chamber had been used for, the meaning of this place -was at once apparent to our heroes. They had not only discovered a -gold-mine, but also a hall of the dead. - -In front of them, in the upper end of the apartment, were placed, or -rather cut out, like the column, two great statues in a sitting posture, -and between them a broad table of polished quartz. One of these had the -body of a woman, with the head covered. In her right hand was held a -pair of scales. The other was shaped like a man, with the head of a -bird, which was turned in her direction. - -"This beats all I ever saw," said Ned, in an awestruck whisper. "We -must come here again. Meantime, we must try to find our way down -further." - -None of them suggested food, although it had been hours since last they -dined. They were too greatly excited over this strange discovery. - -Round the chamber they paced, seeking for an outlet without success. -The only opening they could see was the one down which they had come. - -At length Clarence saw, at one side of the table, and close to the feet -of the woman statue, a large bronze ring that had been covered over with -dust. - -"Hallo, boys, here seems something made to lift! Bear a hand, and see -if we can hoist this particular slab." - -Several of the Kaffirs leapt forward and pulled at the ring individually -without success. - -Finding that not even the strongest among them could make the slightest -impression, Ned ordered the rope used for the "tug-of-war" to be -produced and inserted into the ring. This was done, and twenty-four of -the men took each end of it--twelve to a side--and ranged themselves -down the hall. - -"Now, steady, lads, and all together--pull." - -This was effective at the second pull. Those watching had the -satisfaction of seeing a large slab slowly lift up from the floor until -it rose on end, and fell backward with a loud crash. - -But their satisfaction was short-lived, for hardly had the echo of the -crash ceased, than, with loud yells, the entire company were flying -pell-mell towards the stairs in a panic. From the cavity emerged, with -loud hisses and gaping jaws, a number of the largest pythons ever seen -out of a drunkard's delirium. - -Gorgeous-tinted and shining, they reared out one after the other, -trailing their long bodies over the carved floor, until there were at -least fifty of them, twenty to fifty feet in length, and with girth -enough to have swallowed a buffalo easily. - -That they were hungry, and thought feeding-time had arrived, was evident -from their motions. They were losing no time, after their preliminary -stretch, in making for the staircase where Ned and his followers were -crushing together. - -Cocoeni and several of the Kaffirs recovered their presence of mind -first. Instantly facing round, they discharged their weapons at those -nearest, while the others followed suit, their courage returning at the -sound of the shots. - -Blatter went rifles and revolvers into that advancing mass, turning them -into a wriggling confusion, and filling the hall with smoke and -startling echoes. - -It was a horrible and blood-curdling sight to see those monstrous -serpents interlacing on the floor, and dyeing it with their loathsome -gore, after some of the smoke cleared. The effluvium, also, which -exhaled from them was most noxious and sickening. Many were slain, -although their bodies still writhed and twisted about with horrible -contortions. But more were issuing from that rashly opened aperture. - -"That slab must be closed somehow, or we shall never be done with this -beastly work," shouted Ned. "All the pythons in Africa seem to have -been preserved in that vault. Who is game to help me to shut down that -trap?" - -He made a desperate spring forward as he uttered the words, and ran, -followed by the rest, right amongst the horrible mass. - -Revolvers, spears, and axes did the rest of the battle. - -They were not difficult to disable, although loathsome to feel and -smell. And now that the men had got over their first surprised panic, -they tackled the enemy with quick eyes and deft strokes. - -Ned, Cocoeni, and two other Matabeles reached the stone, and managed to -raise it and drop it once more into its place with a bang, cutting -through the middle a couple of out-coming snakes. While they did so, -the rest hewed, stabbed, and shot for all they were worth. In five more -minutes the last of the sibilant hisses were silenced, and only the -sound of lashing bodies could be heard. - -Then, while they reloaded their weapons, they paused, waiting for the -smoke to evaporate, while they cleared, with their rifle-butts and -spears, the wriggling abominations from their vicinity. - -Before this could be done, however, many a shiver passed over them as -they felt a slimy tail convulsively grip round their legs. A slash with -their knives relieved them of these unpleasant embraces, but the -sensation was decidedly nauseous and creepy. - -Slowly the gunpowder smoke grew thinner, as it escaped through the -air-hole slits and up the staircase. It still, however, hung too -closely around them to see the opposite walls. - -All at once, as they listened for fresh hisses, a sound like coughing, -outside their circle, struck upon their ears. - -Snakes do not cough, although they can make a noise. Some human beings, -with lungs less used to saltpetre fumes than theirs were, must be in the -hall at the far end, as yet unseen. Strangers here meant probable -enemies. Instantly and instinctively they drew together and formed a -square, with their rifles up to their shoulders. - -As they bent forward, peering into the sulphur-charged mist, those -facing east and west beheld a mass of indistinct forms clustered before -them. Those facing north and south saw hazy figures gliding from pillar -to pillar. - -Three more minutes, and the vapour had cleared sufficiently for them to -grasp that they were surrounded completely, by a foe clothed in some -kind of scaly armour. They waited in grim silence for the fumes to -clear thoroughly, so that they might know what force they had to -encounter. - -At last they could see the four corners of the walls, also the open -passages by which the crowd had entered so noiselessly. - -Two of the pillars at each end had been rolled aside, leaving gaping -cavities where they had stood. - -Facing them, and leaning on their spears, stood a double row of upright -figures, with metal helmets on their heads and chain armour on their -bodies, arms, and legs. Round the waist of each was a short kilt of -leopard-skin, which reached to the knees. - -They were well-formed warriors, nearly all of them as tall as the -Kaffirs. Their skins were of a warm copper tint, with dark eyes and -long flowing tresses. - -Not a beard was amongst them, while their features were fine and -pronounced, with straight noses, full lips, and oval faces. They were -determined-looking and fierce, yet unmistakably youthful and handsome. - -Ned glanced from their faces to their breast-plates, and then he -shouted-- - -"Boys, after the snakes we have a regiment of amazons to face. Oh, -come, this is hard lines! We cannot fire on women, even though they are -amazons. We must manage them in some softer way, or else capitulate -with our best grace." - -His words broke the spell of silence that had been upon them. Clarence -and Fred burst out laughing, while the Matabeles and Basutos grinned -broadly and displayed their ivories. - -They did not drop their weapons, however, for the amazons had advanced a -step closer with their spears ready for charging, and they did not look -at all amiable. - -Still Ned thought he discerned upon their faces more of wonderment, -blended with some admiration, than anger, as they scanned the splendid -semi-nude figures of his men. He gave the order to ground arms and -stand easy. - -For himself, he handed his rifle to the one standing next to him, and, -pushing his revolver back into his belt, he stepped from the ranks, and -held out his open hands to show that he was unarmed. For a moment he -paused there, the women watching his smiling face suspiciously; then, at -a word, they lowered their spears. - -He took another step away from his men. As he did this, a young and -extremely handsome woman advanced towards him, also with open hands. - -She was more richly armoured than the others, from which he concluded -that she must be an officer. - -She did not answer his smile, although she had laid aside her weapon, -but came forward, with flashing eyes and curling lip, until she stood -opposite him; then she scanned him over so critically until he flushed -to the temples. - -The other amazons stood watching, evidently with keen interest. - -For what? Ned was thinking. Was she about to embrace him? It looked -as if she were, for she began to crouch like a cat getting ready for a -spring, her elbows close to her side, and her palm held upwards. - -Then, just in time, her intention flashed upon him. She had taken his -attitude as a challenge to a single duel of wrestling, and had accepted -the invitation. - -He had only time to utter an exclamation and step backwards, when she -made the leap and closed in. - -She was an adept at the game, as Ned could feel by the way she tried to -slip her arms under his, but so was he. Quick as lightning he got one -arm under, while she managed to do the same with him, and then the trial -of strength and agility began. - -They were equal as far as grip was concerned, but the chivalry of our -hero placed him at a disadvantage. He could not forget her sex, and -dreaded crushing her if he put out his full strength. - -All the same, he wished she had been a man, for she was a most worthy -adversary; also, if he spared her, she had no such feelings for him. He -felt she was in deadly earnest, and was striving her utmost to break his -back or neck. As he said afterwards, Pylea was a vicious cat at -wrestling. - -He might have thrown her, or tripped her up, had he liked, for he was as -hard as iron, and had the advantage of weight, although she was no mean -weight herself. - -But he preferred the waiting and eluding game, so together they strode -backwards and forwards for full five minutes without either of them -losing their feet or grip. - -Then gradually, as her hot and panting breath struck down his neck, he -worked his hand down the links, until he had her round the small of the -waist. - -Next instant, by a quick jerk, she was off the ground and in his power. -Had she been only a man, he would have thrown her without compunction -over his back, but as it was, he placed her gently on the ground, and -pinned down her arms. - -It is sad to relate, yet as he did this with all the gentleness -possible, under the circumstances, she showed her sex by making her -white teeth meet in the fleshy part of his arm. She had wrestled fairly -up to this moment of defeat, and Ned was too much of a man to resent -that last touch of vanquished ire. He looked at her reproachfully as he -rose to his feet. As he did this, the tears rushed into her eyes, while -she covered her face with her hands, as if ashamed as well as beaten. - -CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT. - -THE AMAZONS. - -"Wrestling must be a favourite pastime with these warlike ladies," -murmured Ned, as he wiped his streaming face on his handkerchief. -"Pouf! that was a hot bout, and no mistake." - -For a moment after he had released the amazon, silence reigned over the -spectators, then a loud cry of admiration rose from the ranks to which -the conquered one belonged. This proved at least that they might be -fierce, but they were at least generous foes; also that they had -witnessed what evidently was a novelty to them. - -"What sort of men are raised in their nation, I wonder?" muttered Ned, -looking anything but pleased at this demonstration. "The women are all -right, and a little more so, like our gymnastic girls; but they are -evidently not used to muscular men, or perhaps these are so big that -they are astonished to see the like of me doing this slight trick." - -While he still mopped his face and his followers stood waiting on the -next development, sixty of the women ran out of the ranks from different -sides, unarmed, and with animated gestures and a torrent of scornful -words, challenged the square to a similar contest. - -The language sounded strange yet musical in their ears, but the bright -flashing eyes, curling red lips, and defiant actions made their meaning -clear. - -With a burst of guttural laughter, Cocoeni and fifty more of his -companions stripped themselves of all but their waist-bands, and stood -forth to gratify the wrestling-loving viragoes. - -"Deal softly with them, lads, yet beat them," cried Ned, seeing what was -about to take place. - -He had an instinctive feeling that it was necessary for their future -safety that these amazons should be taught a lesson, yet he did not wish -any of them hurt, and these Kaffirs were mighty fellows. - -"Never fear, baas," answered Cocoeni, laughing softly. "We shall not -lose our tempers, but we will show these girls that they have the arms -of men round them." - -The challengers looked at the satin skins and muscular forms of those -sable heroes with renewed cries of admiration, which mightily pleased -their masculine vanity. There was no timidity or fear, however, in the -regard of the amazons. They were evidently only delighted at meeting -with such antagonists. - -As the Matabeles and Basutos also examined the opponents opposite to -them, their eyes began to sparkle with feelings more ardent than -rivalry. Here stood women worth fighting with or for. - -They had no longer any dread of treachery, for the others had laid down -their weapons and shields, and were busy discarding all superfluous -encumbrances, such as helmets, shoulder-coverings, and ornaments. They -were also rolling and tying up their loose tresses. It was evident that -they intended having a turn also after the present bout was over. - -As far as numbers were concerned the amazons counted about two to one of -Ned's force, therefore he saw that he would be likely to have another -engagement presently. Thinking on the possibility of this, he stripped -himself of his jacket, hat, and bandolier, tightened his waist-belt, and -began to roll up his shirt-sleeves. His example was followed by Fred -and Clarence. - -As he was thus engaged near the girl he had conquered, who still -crouched at his feet with bent and covered face, one of the amazons came -over to him with a spear in her hand. This weapon she held out to him, -pointing at the same time to the prostrate figure, with a significant -gesture, which said plainly-- - -"She is yours by right of conquest; kill her." - -Ned recoiled horrified at this savage suggestion. Refusing the spear, -with a motion of disgust, he stooped and gently lifted the fallen one to -her feet, patting her at the same time kindly on the shoulder. She -appeared dazed for a moment at this unexpected clemency, then suddenly -she seized his hand and kissed it passionately. - -Ned laughed awkwardly and blushed scarlet; then, to cover his confusion, -he turned to watch the combatants. - -For the next two hours that richly carved hall of the dead was the field -of as tough yet bloodless a contest as ever had been waged anywhere. -All had observed the incident, and understood the meaning of that spear -offer. These amazons were as brave and generous as chivalrous soldiers -could be, but mercy to the vanquished was clearly not one of their -virtues. They neither would spare nor expect to be spared. - -This being the condition of defeat, every one exerted themselves to the -utmost, and finished the conflict as quickly as possible. - -The amazons were strong, lithe, and full of tricks, but the men acted -warily, and gave them no advantage. The result was that sex conditions -told, and the women, without exception, were put hors de combat. - -By the time it was over, however, Ned and his followers felt that they -had done hard enough work for that day at least. They were hot, hungry, -furiously thirsty, and completely fagged out. - -So were the women, but not so much as they were, since they had taken -double turns. They flung themselves down on the cool stones, steaming -and panting, while a number of the amazons who had rested left the -chamber. - -The mangled snakes still jerked about their severed links at the other -end, for the conflict had been carried on at the lower end of the -chamber. - -While they sprawled about in all sorts of free and unstudied attitudes, -the amazons, who had recovered their breath, watched the brawny -proportions of their rivals with undisguised admiration and respect. -Many of them had received heavy bruises and falls, but this they did not -seem to care much for. They were considerably dishevelled also, but -woman-like, they at once started tidying and redecorating themselves, -while they watched with friendly eyes their rough conquerors. - -Presently those who had left the chamber returned, accompanied by about -a dozen of degraded-looking, ugly black dwarfs, who carried heavy jars -and dishes laden with food. At the smell of the roasted meat and boiled -pulse, our heroes and their followers at once sat up and prepared -themselves for the welcome feast. - -The girls now clustered round them, a couple to each man, and waited -upon them assiduously, with the most hospitable smiles and gestures. -The conquered were particular in selecting those who had mastered them -to serve. They kneeled on each side, and while one proffered water in -large cups of curiously shaped and carved metal, the other picked out -the choicest pieces from the platters, and fed them from their fingers -like young birds. - -They were all friendly now, chattering away in that unknown liquid -language with wonderful volubility, and showing their white teeth in the -most bewitching smiles. They seemed to be delighted with their new -masters, for they showed that they recognised them now as such. Ned and -his followers also were more than satisfied with their present position. - -Yet these amazons displayed by many signs that they had a purpose in -view, and no desire to linger or leave their new friends in this -sculptured hall. With a few words of stern and terse command, the -leader, who was Ned's first antagonist, pointed shudderingly to the -mutilated snakes. At these orders the repulsive-looking dwarfs went -over, and lifting up the quivering masses, removed them by the upper -end, and afterwards brought sand and covered up the blood. - -As soon also as our heroes had satisfied their hunger and thirst, they -all rose, and dividing the packages amongst them, led the way towards -the two apertures in the lower end. Ned and his men had no objection to -these new attendants carrying the loads, since they were forced to trust -them now. But they stuck tenaciously to their weapons and ammunition. - -They entered a narrow passage outside the column, and after pacing along -it towards the cliff face, they began once more to descend. - -Fifty steps in one direction along the punctured inner side of the -cliffs, brought them to a flight of steps at the opposite angle. When -that other fifty was reached, another flight at the first angle met -them, and so on, until they had descended three thousand of these steps. - -It was a fatiguing journey after their heavy exertions, for the amazons -hurried them along without a pause. They were either in great haste, or -else did not wish any more investigations to be made of this underground -region. - -The light was growing fainter also, as it was nearing sunset, yet our -heroes were able to see, at each turn of the stairs, passages leading -into other chambers. From several of these, as they got near the -bottom, they heard a clanking sound, as if miners were at work. - -"I say, boys," said Ned, "do you hear? They are still working this -gold-mine. What about the mirage now?" - -Since meeting these female warriors our heroes had no longer any thought -of turning back. There seemed no danger of perishing from want or -thirst. As for other dangers, they were quite ready to encounter these. - -"This is an adventure and no mistake. I guess we are bound to see some -strange things before long," answered Fred, excitedly. - -It was nearly dark before they crossed the last step and found -themselves once more on level ground. - -Before them spread a wide and long apartment with a huge fire burning in -the centre. A strong menagerie-like perfume greeted their nostrils -along with the more pleasant odours of cooking. As they entered, a wild -chorus of savage yells echoed through the vault. - -A number of slender and undersized figures moved about. Some were clad -in white robes, others with only waist-bands round their waists. - -From a square, wide, and high portal halfway down, and on the same side -by which they had descended, the last orange glow from the setting sun -fell in a long slanting line upon the sand floor. They had, at length, -come down to the desert. - -Ned and his followers looked round them curiously, while the friendly -amazons placed their packages all together. - -There were bold and somewhat rude carvings on some portions of the wall, -but otherwise it was left rough hewn. It was, however, quite as roomy, -although not so lofty, as the upper hall which they had first seen. -There were rugs and skins flung down at different parts on the sands, -with armour, weapons, and other articles of use. This was evidently the -present barracks of these amazons. - -The lower parts of the inner walls were lined with recesses strongly -barred. In these were caged a number of leopards. These leopards were -separated from each other by intervening partitions. Apparently it was -their feeding-time, as these half-nude figures were moving about from -cage to cage with huge junks of flesh, which they pushed into the cages. - -The amazons went round the cages, inserting their hands between the bars -and stroking the animals. As they did so, the wild roaring which had -greeted their appearance sank into gratified and loud purrs. - -Pointing to the spread skins, the women signed for the adventurers to -rest. Gladly our tired heroes availed themselves of the permission. -Here, stretched out at their ease, they could observe their -surroundings. They saw the amazon leader, with a few of the others, go -over to the white-robed figures, and then began an earnest conversation. -A little explanation was evidently given to account for the presence of -the strangers; but, as far as Ned could make out, the warriors were -mistresses, and confined themselves mostly to giving orders, which the -others listened to meekly, and bowed their heads obediently. - -In a little while the half-naked figures approached the fire and lighted -some torches at it, which they stuck into clamps round the wall. This -threw more light on the scene. - -The sun had now gone down, and darkness was beginning to hide the -desert, which Ned could see through the open portal from where he lay. -The semi-nude figures now approached, and, kneeling down, began to take -off the boots of him and his comrades; after this they washed their feet -and covered them again. - -It was all most delightful and pleasant, and Ned was glad that the -amazons did not attempt this task. They apparently were engaged making -their own toilets during this time. - -While allowing the slaves to manipulate, he looked at the white-robed -forms. They were engaged in various departments of duty. Some were -baking bread-cakes, others cooking various dishes, and several were hard -at work plaiting and dressing the tresses of the amazons. They were -meek visaged, and had their heads shaved, yet, somehow, although so -small and spiritless, they seemed to belong to the male sex. - -Another feed was under way of a more substantial description than the -last. As the savoury fumes stole into their nostrils, they once more -began to find themselves prepared for it. - -Presently it was ready, and this time the ladies shared it with them. -While they were eating and drinking, four of the white-robed figures sat -near and played on harps. - -It was a plain supper of roasted and stewed game garnished with garlic, -boiled rice, with maize and lentil cakes. For vegetables they had leeks -and yams, while bananas, figs, and grapes served for dessert. - -A delicious, light-tasted, but rather heady wine was given to them along -with the water, which was pure and sweet. This they took sparingly of, -yet it quickly sent them all off to sleep. - -CHAPTER TWENTY NINE. - -A CHARIOT DRIVE. - -Ned woke soon after sunrise the next morning, and before his companions. -Fred, Clarence, Cocoeni, and the other Kaffirs were doing their best to -eclipse the howling of the caged leopards with their snoring. - -The slaves were there, also the bakers, cooks, hairdressers, and general -all-round men. But the amazons were absent. - -The general practitioners of the comb and harp were filling in their -spare time by whipping the slaves with cruel-looking thongs, as they -went about their drudgery. - -The faces of those clean-shaven, undersized, and lean, white-robed men -still looked as expressionless and meek as long-imprisoned convicts -usually do. They had likewise the same unwholesome waxiness of -complexion; buff-coloured wax their thin cheeks and narrow foreheads -were, with purply close-set lips, and long, deep-placed, lustreless -blue-black eyes. - -But, although they did not smile nor sneer, nor ever lose their sad -gentleness of expression, they cut pitilessly into those naked black -shoulders with their hard flagellators, and often out of ruthless -wantonness. The slaves were a square, dwarfish, and repulsive set of -bestial wretches, yet Ned began to view these placid and soulless -tormentors with greater repugnance and loathing; they were like -venomous, icy, and cowardly yellow snakes. Their features, however, -were sharp and fine, and of a sameness in profile if cast from one -mould. He had seen those calm, bird-like, relentless profiles in prints -of the Egyptian sculptures and paintings, with long, straight noses, -protruding and short upper lips, and receding small chins,--the true -signs of a used-up decadent race. - -Sick with watching these methodical and pitiless strokes, he walked -through the portal and out a few yards into the yielding sand, then he -looked back and up the precipice. - -He could see the broken walls at the top, over which he had peered -yesterday. The rising sun was shining upon them, and they gleamed -whitely against the soft azure. The precipice also glistened with its -variegated blush and yellow rose-leaf tints, with the darker veins of -grey and ochre. It was smooth and ridgeless, while the loopholes were -too narrow to be seen from where he stood. - -The flat lintel and obelisk-like sides of the doorway had been cut a few -feet into the rock, so that the precipice protruded. The intaglio slabs -were covered with hieroglyphics and figures. - -His eyes wandered to the sides, and here he met a surprise,--a long line -of gaily painted and anciently shaped chariots stood ranged, like -bathing-machines, against the base of the cliff. He had never seen a -chariot outside of pictures before, therefore these interested him -vastly, with their carving, gilding, and bright colours. - -After looking minutely over one of them, he turned round to scan the -desert. Away in the distance rolled a low cloud of dust, through which -the sun shone upon glittering metal. It was approaching rapidly, and as -he watched resolved itself into the two hundred mail-clad amazons, who -were coming in at a swift run and in a straight line. - -Very soon they were within a hundred yards of him, with flushed faces -and heaving breasts. There they stopped suddenly, and, forming rapidly -into eight deep, marched steadily towards where he stood. - -He learned afterwards that they had been out for the past four hours, -doing their customary morning exercise of running, which was twenty -miles before breakfast. This was to keep them in good condition, and -one of their obligations as warriors. With friendly smiles they marched -past him and entered through the doorway without other recognition. -Following them slowly, he saw them pass through and into a door which he -had not observed the previous night. - -He found his followers awake when he got in, and busy washing their -faces in basins, which the slaves were holding for them. As this was -exactly what he would have asked for, could he have made his desires -known, he straightway proceeded to follow their example. - -"I expect they have tanks, or some way of catching and keeping the rains -from above," said Ned, seeing that they were so lavish with the precious -fluid. - -A distant sound of splashing, accompanied by female voices, from behind -that curtained door answered his surmises. - -Very soon afterwards the amazons appeared once more, accoutred, and with -fresh-coloured faces and damp flowing tresses. Breakfast was ready, and -without ceremony they fell to, and hastily did full justice to it. - -The next operation which our heroes watched, but could not help with, -was the liberating and harnessing of the fierce leopards to the -chariots. Each amazon led out her own trained animals, like dogs in -leash, and strapped two to each chariot. - -The fair leader now split her regiment, leaving half behind to mount -guard over this mine, while the other hundred and twenty distributed the -packages of our heroes amongst the chariots. They were ready to start. -Ned, the leader, chose to share her chariot, and the others picked out -their conquerors and beckoned them to enter. - -With a swift, cat-like bound the leopards went off, while from the broad -wheels the sand flew up, and left behind a trail of yellow clouds that -quickly blotted out those left behind. - -The passengers, not being used to chariot-riding, kneeled on the -packages, and hung on to the side-rails frantically. - -But the drivers stood, like rocks, on their feet, with the reins round -their waists, held there by a ring, and their arms and hands free to use -their whips or weapons. Over each shoulder was slung a strap filled -with long shafts and a black palm bow. - -They never slackened speed, for the leopards seemed tireless. They ran -softly yet swiftly, hour after hour, while the sun rolled overhead with -scorching force. The burning glare from the hot sand was blinding, and -the helmets and chains must have been almost unbearable, yet the hardy -drivers did not appear to feel them. They leaned forward with flashing -eyes and streaming tresses, and still urged their willing animals on. - -Once during that day they roused a pack of fine lions, who bounded after -them. Ned saw one of these fierce beasts nearing the chariot, and -shouted to his driver to warn her of the danger. His rifle was between -his knees, loaded, but it was of no more use to him than a stick. He -dare not relax his grip of the side at the rate they were going, or he -would have fallen out. - -The dauntless girl looked back, at his cry, with a merry laugh. Then, -gripping her whip with her teeth, she slipped off her bow, and -tightening the string, took out one of her shafts, and fitted it. - -Swiftly turning half round, she bent the bow until the arrow-head was -touching it, then the string smote the bow with a twang like a loud -harp-note. - -Ned watched the shaft, as it sped with a whistle through the air. -Straight it flew towards the lion, and buried itself in his flaming eye. -It was a splendid and deadly, though it looked a careless aim. With -one leap upwards the lion rolled over and over, half burying himself in -the loose sand in his death-throes. - -When Ned looked from the lion to his slayer he saw her standing, with -her bow once more in its place and the whip in her hand, standing and -looking forward, while she drove for all she was worth. - -The other lions were treated in the same fashion by the rest of the -drivers. Evidently they had nothing to learn in the ancient craft of -archery. - -That afternoon, however, as they rested for an hour, Ned found an -opportunity of showing what his rifle could do. Yet, after her archery -feat, he did not feel too conceited over his most modern of -death-dealing implements. - -The desert appeared infested with lions of the fiercest order. Hardly -were they seated when one appeared at a little distance. It was within -shooting distance, but too far off for her shaft, so, while she was -leisurely tightening her bow-string, he took a steady aim and fired. At -the report she started up with unfeigned alarm, but, quickly recovering -herself, she sat down again with stoical composure. - -It was a long shot, but he did not need to repeat it. The lion was done -for. - -When she saw this, she displayed the most lively and childish interest -about his rifle. Pointing to a great vulture in the sky, she signed him -to shoot it. - -While he was taking aim, she put her fingers into her ears; then, when -she saw the bird drop headlong, she cried with wonder. He had raised -her admiration in a new direction. - -All through that night and the best part of the next day they raced. -They only took three or four half-hours' rest during this time, while -they ate a few dates and drank a mouthful of water. - -As for the leopards, they got nothing except a few small cakes during -those short breathing spaces. Our heroes were forced to own that for -swiftness and endurance the trained leopard beats both horse and -dromedary for desert travel. - -At midday the distant city and lake appeared on the horizon, and by four -o'clock they had passed between the first of the palm trees, and left -the desert behind. - -Ned, Fred, and Clarence had by this time become somewhat used to their -uncommon and ancient surroundings. The biblical and archaeological -chariots, armour, costumes, and features had startled them when first -seen. Now they were only driving toward, what they expected to find, a -specimen page of prehistoric illustrations, preserved in the heart of -that Africa from which those decayed nations had sprung. - -Luxury and corruption caused the fall of Rome, Carthage, Greece, -Assyria, Egypt, and the countless races that preceded these chronicled -nations. When Melchizedek walked the earth, and Lot pleaded with the -angels, mankind was old and worn out with self-indulgences. When Noah -vainly preached to the sons of men, they had become dilettante, idle, -cynical, and luxurious; refined in art, cruelty, and callous vice; -enervated to the last degree, and barren of all impulse. This has -always been and always must be the results of ultra-civilisation. The -second step from utter barbarism which deals with conquest and cruelty, -is but the beginning of the end of all nations, ancient and modern. The -implacable order of nature is to grow and decline. Matter must change, -although its constituents are immortal. - -The road from the desert to the city was broad and straight. Fifty -chariots could drive abreast through the centre, leaving the side-paths -for the pedestrians. - -A double line of huge palm trees fringed this wide highway, and cast -violet shadows on the side-walks. Between the trunks they could see -rich and carefully irrigated fields of grain and vegetables--maize, -rice, manioc, wheat, pulse, yams, and pine-apples, melons, leeks, -onions, and garlic, with shady groves of sugar cane and bananas at the -corners, and hedges all around of vines. - -The glistening of water in the regularly cut canals and lotus-covered -ponds, with the fringes of papyrus reeds and varied-tinted blossoms and -flowers, made a delicious picture of rural prosperity and radiance. -Regular symmetry and mathematical order were the predominant features of -these fertile plains, with their straight canals and square ponds. Not -a foot of soil was wasted nor left to run wild. It was all under -cultivation, like a carefully tended garden. - -Dark-skinned and semi-nude slaves of both sexes crowded these fields and -plantations, while the same class of white-clad, yellow-skinned, and -diminutive overseers walked about and plied the whip remorselessly, yet -without excitement. - -Our heroes longed to ask questions, for they were bursting with -curiosity, and they inwardly resolved to learn the language as soon as -possible, if they were permitted to live here long enough. Already they -had mastered the native terms for water, wine, food, chariots, leopards, -lions, spears, helmets, and armour. This was a fair beginning. As for -Cocoeni and his fellow-Kaffirs, they were devoting themselves most -assiduously to the pursuit of their conquests, and, as they showed by -their ardent glances, conquerors also. They appeared to be progressing -fairly well, considering that looks were their only means of -communication at present. - -As they drove along, eight abreast, they noticed that they were causing -a considerable stir amongst the pedestrians and other natives whom they -met, overtook, or passed. They were also watching with great interest -these inhabitants. - -They could distinguish the men by their small stature and general -spiritless condition. Woman seemed in this land to be the superior -animal, both in stature, deportment, and position. - -Armed amazons, on high-spirited horses, cantered or dashed past them, -bestriding their beasts man-fashion. They were all splendidly costumed, -and many of them very beautiful. Some drove chariots with trained lions -and leopards as well as zebras and horses. It was a dazzling and -picturesque sight that impressed our heroes deeply. - -Elephants also paced the roads with their laden howdahs gaily -caparisoned; others, again, drew heavy waggons. Oxen trailed along -strange-looking carts and waggons, while the footpaths teemed with life. - -The men alone wore white robes. Numbers of these were about, carrying -or leading children as mothers do in other countries. Some had slaves -to do this for them, and when they were so far blest, they carried the -invariable whip, which they used unsparingly. - -The chariots had now passed the fields and farm buildings, and were -approaching the city. - -Massive buildings and walls began to appear, with exquisite gardens and -artificial terraces, from which wide steps led down to shady walks and -fairy ponds. Vine tendrils hung over the walls, and formed delicious -avenues. Ornamental trees and obelisks reared out of the under herbage. -Mighty baobabs showed centuries of growth. Monkeys swung from branch -to branch. Ibises, pelicans, and flamingoes were everywhere. - -Between the spaces of those gardens and mansions, they had glimpses of -the great lake that supplied the fertility of this highly cultivated -region. On its surface they could see barges floating or moored to the -embankment. Here were quays, with pillars and steps, also crowded with -humanity and animal life. - -Before them reared a many-columned arch, with battlemented walls on -either side, and an avenue of sphinxes leading up to it. - -They rolled through these, and then they were within the city, with its -huge buildings, pillars, obelisks, stairs, fountains, awnings, arches, -crowded side streets, and varied bazaars and shops. Our heroes felt -abashed before these sublime, living tokens of a civilisation supposed -to have been for ages extinct. - -CHAPTER THIRTY. - -IN THE CITY OF RA-BYDUS. - -The rain-season had come and gone, which meant that seven months had -elapsed since our heroes were driven into the city of Ra-bydus. - -They understood a good deal, by this time, about the people and language -of Karnadama, for so the land was named, as the city was called -Ra-bydus. - -During these months they had been treated as honoured visitors; yet it -was plainly intimated to them that they would not be permitted to depart -until her majesty Isori had seen them. No one else could treat with -them, or decide what course to pursue respecting them, during the great -queen's absence; therefore they were held in a kind of honourable -captivity. - -They were lodged in princely quarters and all together. The regiment of -young amazons who had discovered them were placed in charge of them--to -attend upon them, escort them when they went abroad, and were made -responsible for their safety and presence. - -No one interfered with their actions so far. They were free to walk, -drive, or ride about the extensive city, provided some of their -bodyguard went with them. They could go out hunting, with the same -escort, sail on the lake, and view the land as far as it could be viewed -between sunrise and sunset. But they were expected to be within the -city walls when the gates were closed. Only in this sense were they -treated as captives. - -Ned and his followers did not find the life they led at all irksome. It -might become so in time, but they had no intention of staying here much -longer. The queen was on her way home to her capital; when she returned -they would either get permission to go, or else take French leave. - -Meantime they were having pretty much the same kind of time as -blue-jackets have when they get ashore in a foreign port. They were the -heroes of the hour, and were made welcome everywhere, except to the -temple. From that sacred portal they were most rigidly excluded. - -Tutors were provided to teach them the language of the higher classes, -so that they might be able to converse with her majesty when she -arrived. She had heard about their advent, and these were her orders, -sent by special messengers. Like President Kruger, no other language -but her own people's was permitted at court. Our heroes made rapid -progress in their studies. While the country was swamped, and the hot -rains made the cool interiors of these the most pleasant places to pass -the time, they had spent their spare time with the teachers, listening -to their explanations, and mastering the meaning and sounds of their -vocabulary. The Matabeles and Basutos, also, were apt pupils in the -oral part of the instructions. As soon as they could make themselves -understood, however, they discarded the male teachers, and took the rest -of their instructions from their amazon guards. Ned, Fred, and Clarence -went further. They practised the letter-writing, which was like -shorthand, to the ordinary hieroglyphic carvings on the walls, and only -practised by the educated class. They also asked many questions -respecting the history, myths, and habits of the people they were -amongst. In this way, and by keeping their eyes and ears open, they -acquired a vast amount of knowledge in a short space of time. - -The Karnadamains were a remnant of the older race, who had fled from -Egypt at the time of the invasion of the Shepherd Kings. Like the -Israelites, they had wandered far and encountered many vicissitudes -before settling down on this remote and central portion of Africa. The -history of their wanderings and early rulers was comprised largely, like -that of the Greeks, of legend and myth. - -They still retained the principal features of their ancient religions-- -that of animal-worship. The serpent, the crocodile, the cat, ibis, and -other animals of certain kinds were considered sacred, and rigidly -protected. To kill one of these marked animals, either wantonly or -accidentally, was a sacrilege, the punishment for which was death. When -our heroes learnt this, and remembered their indiscriminate slaughter of -the pythons, they felt themselves in a mighty perilous position should -any of their friends, the amazons, betray them. Ned took an early -opportunity of sounding Captain Pylea on the subject. She, however, -laughingly reassured him, and told him to be under no apprehension. Her -subordinates were soldiers, not informers; while, as for the slaves who -had removed the carcases, they had been slaughtered to a man, so that -they might not speak of what they had seen. - -"It was a terrible crime you committed," she added, with a shudder; "for -these were of the most sacred order, who are fed with slaves. But -enough were left to swallow up the remains of their brethren and those -who might have spoken about it, and we did not see you do the unholy -deed." - -Ned shuddered to hear the calmness with which she told this atrocity, -grateful although he was for her and her comrades' kindness to them. -She was a frank, generous, and courageous young woman, but she had not -much womanly mercy in her composition. - -"What would you have done, Pylea, if you had been attacked by those -sacred--monsters?" he enquired. - -She looked at him with a humorous twinkle in her dark eyes, and touched -her bow and spear. - -"Afterwards we'd have, as I advise you to do, forgotten all about it." - -"Then you don't pin your faith too closely to this venerable creed of -yours, Pylea?" - -"We expect our fathers, husbands, and brothers to venerate the gods, and -attend to their religious, with their other domestic duties, while we do -the thinking and the fighting," she answered significantly. - -"Do you know, Pylea, you belong to the emancipated sex. In my land the -order is reversed." - -"Ah, so it might be in mine, if our men were like you and your -followers. But look at ours. Could any of them bend my bow or handle -my spear? No; they are too fond of their couches, their pipes, their -dinners, and their wines. They like to spend their time gossiping and -making pretty things. All the exercise they care for is flogging the -slaves, so we leave them to what they like best--to look after the -children, make poetry, pictures, and pretty carvings, and discuss new -dishes, while they fill their empty heads with smoke and strong drink." - -"A great number of our men also are fond of the vices you charge yours -with, Pylea," answered Ned, laughing at her indulgent contempt of the -lords of creation. "They also drink, smoke, and spend a good deal of -time discussing fine dishes and works of art and literature. When they -can paint or carve they get mighty conceited about it; but, as a rule, -they don't practise the domestic virtues you speak about." - -"Who does this, when there are no slaves?" - -"Our women." - -"And who does the thinking?" - -"Also a good many of our women." - -"And the fighting?" asked Pylea, wonderingly. - -"Oh, the men are expected to do that." - -"I cannot understand it. Once on a time, as our men are fond of singing -and boasting about in their cups, they say our men could fight. But we -who know them do not believe that, or they would never have fled from -the land they ruled over then, according to the legends which they have -invented. No," she continued thoughtfully; "they must always have been -as they are, poor, treacherous, mean-spirited cowards, who dare not face -a woman, but find a pleasure in tormenting slaves. They must always -have been fond of lying upon litters and couches, of wine and tasty -dishes. They never could have been trusted out of sight--not our men, -who are good for nothing honourable, true, or brave." - -"Yet you marry them," observed Ned. - -"Oh yes; that is the custom. When we feel ourselves getting too stiff -to fight or run, we take a man to keep our house and look after us and -our children. We are always strong enough to make them obedient, and we -never expect too much from them. They are poor things, who do not know -what honour and truth are; only a little more to be tolerated than the -slaves. They like to babble about their paltry pastimes, which they -call work." - -Here were the new woman's ideas and aspirations put into a nutshell, -with man the despised placed on his proper footing. - -"Once on a time, as our men sing, when they get together and we are out -of hearing, their forefathers owned quite a number of wives, as we now -own slaves. But they are never so far gone as to whisper that lie when -they return home. They dip their bald heads in the fountains on the way -back before they face us. This is about the only wisdom which I think -they have," said Pylea, softly, as she laughingly left Ned with a -military salute. - -From what Ned had seen of the amazons, there was not much to fear -respecting the python incident, unless Cocoeni and his comrades raised -their jealousy. He resolved to warn them to be careful, and confine -themselves strictly to brotherly attentions only. It would not be wise -for them to play at love with those tigresses. - -What Pylea had said about the male Karnadamains was all true, as he -found out for himself. They were a cringing, lying, vicious-minded set -of self-indulgent sots. When they could, they slunk off in company, and -boasted about their mean vices as if they were actions to be proud of. -A very little of their converse went a long way to sicken and disgust -him. They spoke gently, and were choice in their expressions, for they -were critical and refined over details, and artistic in their tastes. -But the details were nauseating, depraved, and loathsome as slimy -snakes. They were vile objects, without one redeeming virtue and with -as much human emotion as lizards. - -As artists, artificers, and musicians, however, he was forced to give -them their meed of praise. They followed fixed and long-established -rules with undeviating and unoriginal fidelity, and never attempted to -break from their bonds. - -During these months, the queen had been engaged on a warlike expedition -with her army, raiding some of the neighbouring tribes to the north. It -was from there that the slaves were procured. - -While she was absent, the king, Sotu, who was also her brother, was left -at home to look after the royal palace. - -Although king, this royal object had no voice in the affairs of the -state, or any rule, except over his male subjects, who were, like -himself, rigidly excluded from all offices of dignity or authority. - -The high officials of the temple were priestesses; likewise all the -other positions of dignity were filled by women. - -Sotu was king of the minstrels, poets, painters, musicians, sculptors, -and cooks. He was considered to be a great authority on works of art, -literature, and the science of the table. He was a profound gourmand, a -most princely drunkard, and a superb judge of tobacco. He was also -considered one of the best chess-players in the kingdom. - -Our heroes and their followers had been entertained at the best houses. -They also had spent one evening with the king and a select number of -aristocrats whose wives were at the wars. - -They had here the opportunity of witnessing the prodigality of an -ancient feast with its curious customs. They also saw evidences of the -vast profusion of wealth this nation was possessed of. - -The feast was held in a magnificent hall, where stood a throne made of -solid gold, covered with fine carving, and encrusted with diamonds. All -round were richly carved and painted pillars. The walls and ceiling -likewise were a mass of painting and plated gilding. The polished and -tessellated floor was covered, ankle deep, with flowers. The stools -were of ivory and gold; the cups, vases, and dishes were also of the -same material, and like the throne, sparkling with diamonds. King Sotu -came to the feast garlanded, as were his subjects. Candles burned in -golden candlesticks, and the whole air was filled with perfume. - -It was a bachelors' feast, for none of the women would condescend to -attend such revels; only slaves, single men, and married ones, who had -stolen from their homes, were present, besides our heroes and their -followers. - -About a dozen of the temple male servants were in attendance to begin -the feast with religious ceremonies, and to drag round the mummy-case -before the drinking began. - -The viands were multitudinous and exquisitely cooked, and while they -ate, professional musicians played on various instruments. It was -nearly the last night of liberty for the king and his subjects, and they -had made up their minds to enjoy themselves. - -Ned and his followers joined in lustily at the eating part of the -ceremony, which caused the dull-eyed, yellow-visaged, and purple-nosed -royal host almost to forgive them for their excessive strength and -stature. - -But they completely lost his favour when the serious part came on--the -drinking. Ned sat for a short time, but rose gravely at the close of -one of Sotu's favourite stories, and sternly ordered his followers to -follow him. - -King Sotu was too mean-spirited to resent their going, but after they -had departed, and he had swallowed many cupfuls of fragrant wine, he -shouted loudly-- - -"These cannot be men, for they can neither drink nor enjoy a good joke. -We must get rid of them, or we shall not have the life of slaves when -our wives return." - -Poor King Sotu! he felt at this moment brave enough to poison Ned and -his followers. - -But when morning dawned and he tremblingly seized the goblet of wine -which his slaves brought him, he quaked in his sandals as he remembered -what he had uttered in his festive mood. A hundred traitor ears had -heard the rash words, and he felt sure they would be repeated to their -wives. - -"Oh, Osiris!" he moaned. "If Isori hears of this, I am undone." - -After several goblets, he called for his pipe and his whip, and spent -the forenoon exercising himself on the backs of his slaves. - -CHAPTER THIRTY ONE. - -THE QUEEN ISORI. - -Queen Isori had come, and, with her army, was in possession of her royal -capital of Karnadama. - -She had taken away fifty-six thousand foot and mounted soldiers. She -brought home forty-eight thousand six hundred and twenty able-bodied -amazons. Seven thousand three hundred and eighty dauntless females had -found the death they coveted, and over a thousand disconsolate widowers -bewailed their fate loudly in the temple courtyards. It was the custom -for those bereaved widowers to mourn in public for their departed -spouses, while they prayed that their sins might be overbalanced by -their good deeds, in the scales of the gods. - -The men of Karnadama were unquestioning slaves to custom, therefore they -covered their smooth heads with ashes, wailed, howled, and prayed during -the hours appointed for mourning. Afterwards they met together in those -vaults and shades where the wine was kept cool in great clay-baked jars, -and drowned their sorrows as deeply as possible. - -Bands of them reeled past the garden walls, over which Ned and his -companions leaned, watching the bustling midnight streets in the -moonlight. Some of them were trying to sing, others laughed -hysterically, while a few of the morbid class, remembering the fine -women they had lost, wept feebly while they recounted the departed one's -charms. Ned almost pitied those ownerless and most degenerate goats. - -Now that they had seen the great queen, Ned had only one desire left; -that was, to lead his men safely from this city, and back to Rhodesia as -quickly as possible. - -He had passed through every street and alley until he knew each mart and -building by heart. He and his companions had sailed on the lake and -along the canals that intersected the city, hundreds of times. They had -watched the men in their open shops: the working jewellers and -enamellers, the carvers, sculptors, and painters; the armourers and -blacksmiths; the confectioners, bakers, hairdressers, and loom-workers. -These were all quaint and interesting for a time, but they had now grown -stale. They abhorred the men, and did not feel over comfortable with -those bold-eyed, combative women, beautiful although most of them were. - -The day when Isori returned at the head of her victorious cohorts was -the climax to all the brilliant sights they had witnessed; after that -procession with the audience which followed were over, Ned began to feel -that he could not get too quickly away. - -The citizens had been preparing for days to give their queen a right -royal welcome. For the past week advance messengers had arrived every -hour, announcing the progress of the army as it approached. The roads -and streets had been crowded with people flocking in, and every house of -entertainment was filled. - -In answer to his enquiries about the country, he was told that the lake -was a hundred miles long by fifty broad. A wide river flowed from the -eastern end of it, and, after a considerable distance, became a boiling -cataract that rushed through deep gorges into low marsh and forest -lands. To the north lay a range of lofty mountains, precipitous and -densely wooded, where dwelt the dwarfs, who were hunted, captured, and -used as slaves. In their wild state those dwarfs were rather -troublesome neighbours, being very numerous and fierce, also using -poisoned arrows, the slightest prick of which was fatal. They were also -cannibals of the most repulsive type, torturing their victims -mercilessly when they could trap them. To the west, as in the south, -spread vast deserts. - -The climate of Karnadama was all that could be desired: our heroes and -their followers had never had a day of sickness, even during the long -and wet season. At present the weather was simply delightful. - -Diamonds were found in great numbers about half-way between Ra-bydus and -the mountains; and, as Ned had seen for himself, their gold-mine yielded -them so plentiful a supply that the most ordinary utensils were -fashioned from it. On the plains, which were well watered, dense herds -of game roamed about. - -Ra-bydus was the only city of importance, although there were several -villages scattered over the country. - -Queen Isori could call out an army of over a hundred thousand trained -amazons. This, however, comprised the bulk of the female population; on -ordinary occasions only the young warriors were kept constantly in arms. -These seldom exceeded ten thousand, who were spread throughout the -country in regiments. - -The training of these young amazons was exceedingly hard. From their -birth they were constantly exercised like Spartans, until they reached -the age of sixteen. From that age to twenty-five they were constantly -in harness, and kept single. After this age they were allowed to marry -and settle down. - -Pylea and her regiment were about the same age, having been enrolled -together four years previously. They were then nineteen years of age, -and had six years still before them of active service and enforced -celibacy. - -Ned asked how the population had been kept within limits all these -centuries, and was horrified at the reply. - -All decrepit and sickly children of both sexes were destroyed at birth. -Every five years a census was taken, and judges sent round to weed out -the surplus population. The victims were selected by the judges -appointed, and ruthlessly destroyed by accompanying executioners. These -executioners were appointed from the men, who found their opportunity -then of indulging in their natural instinct of cruelty. Old age, on the -male side, was no more respected than childhood, although the women were -exempted from this wholesale massacre. - -When the husbands became shattered with their vices, they were -strangled. When they grew too obnoxious to live with any longer, they -were at once made into mummies. The women were the judges and sole -arbitresses of their fate. There were no divorces in this wise and -loveless community. If a woman wished to be released from one husband, -she made herself a widow, and picked out a younger mate. As Pylea had -remarked, they did not expect too much from the poor things, so -completely at their discretion. They persuaded them to drink, eat, and -smoke as they liked, until they were tired of them, then they gave the -final wrench to their rope, and ended that domestic worry. - -It was a paradise for the fair sex, according to the modern ideas of the -new womanhood. Also the ceremony of the mummy-case being drawn round -the feasting halls was no empty or obsolete sign to the men. "Eat, -drink, and enjoy yourselves, for tomorrow you die," was grimly -significant to these degraded wretches. - -When Ned explained these lop-sided laws and customs to his sable -followers, they showed the whites of their eyes, and decided that -prudence was the better part of valour when dealing with those -fascinating amazons. All vowed that they would respect the obligations -of the service, and not tempt the girls to break their military -engagements for their sakes. - -"Let us get out of this, baas, before it is too late," said Cocoeni, -gloomily, as he recalled some pleasant evenings he had spent under the -trees, while trying to master the language with one of the fair guards. - -"Yes, we must," added Clarence, almost as seriously--"Even the forest -will be healthier for us than this atmosphere." - -"As soon as her majesty turns up, I'll make the move," answered Ned. - -Our heroes were accommodated with horses on the morning of the arrival, -while Cocoeni and his comrades walked. They were all in fine condition, -and looked like giants behind the undersized bystanders. - -Pylea and her regiment used their leopard-chariots, and drew up in line -along the streets close to the palace to keep the sightseers back. Ned -and his company occupied the post nearest the gates. Close to his side -Pylea stood in her chariot, splendidly attired and looking her best. - -"Isori is a great warrior, and the tallest woman of our race, as her -mother was before her," she remarked while they waited. - -"How old is she?" asked Ned. - -"Thirty-three, but she has not lost her swiftness, agility, or -strength." - -The blare of instruments announced that the conquerors were coming, and -soon afterwards the first of the procession appeared. - -A thousand richly caparisoned elephants came first, laden with mail-clad -warriors. Behind these came the miserable captives, chained to bars of -wood, and drawn along by women on horseback, who cracked their whips -over them constantly. Four thousand of these hideous dwarfs of both -sexes had been brought alive from their native haunts. Following the -elephants, they passed the palace walls, while the people looked at them -silently. - -A large troop of horsewomen came next, and then, at the head of her -charioteers, appeared the victorious queen. - -Our heroes looked at her as she stood upright in her golden chariot, -resting on her massive spear, and they were dazzled at her majesty and -the light that blazed from her. - -Over six feet in height she stood in her jewelled sandals. Round her -brows wound the royal serpent with uplifted crest, while from behind -fell a fringe of blue, red, white, and yellow, barred with gold and -crusted with precious stones. Her breasts and limbs were covered with -golden links, while from her shoulders fluttered a rich light cloak, -that trailed over the back of the chariot. Three young lions dragged -the car. She was an imperial woman, with a pale face regularly -featured, and great dark eyes that looked out coldly yet steadily as the -car slowly glided forward. - -Beautiful she was, in the full pride of power and matured strength, with -a figure that was matchless. But it was a face to shudder before. It -was so pitiless, and so icily composed. - -No cry of welcome greeted her approach, but a great hush fell over the -multitude, that was more impressive. She was in their eyes a goddess as -well as a queen, and all bent their heads and covered their eyes. Ned -and his followers felt decidedly uncomfortable. - -As she passed the split lines of Matabeles and Basutos, she shot side -glances over their stalwart figures without turning her head. Then she -came to a dead stop opposite Ned, and fixed upon him her steady great -black eyes. He bent his head under that passionless but strangely -disquieting stare. - -While she stood, from the palace gates came her brother consort, mounted -on a white horse, and clad in royal robes that were also blazing with -precious stones. He was taller than the male attendants who accompanied -him, but, in spite of his tiara and rich robes, looked the trembling -wreck that he was. - -Isori looked at her bibulous-faced and purple-nosed consort with a -mocking yet indulgent curl of her proud lip, as he bent humbly before -her. Then she said, in a rich, clear voice-- - -"Hast thou composed many couplets during our absence, Sotu? I can -perceive that thou hast partaken of many cups." - -"Immortal one, I have not been idle," answered the poor king, fumbling -nervously in the breast of his robe, and wisely ignoring the latter -portion of this wifely greeting. He produced a roll of papyrus. "I -have here a powerful epic to read to you, which I composed in honour of -your victory, O brave Isori." - -"Ah! that is sweet. Keep it till after supper, when thou wilt be in thy -best form." - -"But, gracious and great one, I hoped to read it here, before our -people." - -"Ride thou at my side, Sotu, King of Karnadama, and give that roll to -one of the servants," she said, with chilling coldness. - -Sotu sighed deeply, but yielded, and together the badly assorted pair -went between the sphinxes. - -About two hours later Ned and his followers were commanded to appear in -the presence. It was a trying ordeal, but our heroes braced up their -courage, and stalked through the crowd of courtiers and warriors with -erect heads and bulging chests. They were no slavish male Karnadamains, -and they meant to show what men ought to look like; what Britishers are -in every land under the sun, except the Transvaal. - -It was a much more extensive reception-hall than the dining chamber, -vast although that was. - -Four lines of columns with lotus capitals supported the flat roof. The -walls were richly covered with varied coloured enamels and plated gold; -the floor was of highly polished marble or granite of different tints -wrought in subtle patterns of mosaic. It was a noble throne-room, the -vast proportions of which dwarfed the humanity that it was meant to -hold. - -Five thousand amazonian captains, officers, and female grandees were -assembled, besides the priestesses and other civic dignitaries. There -were also the obsequious husbands, in dutiful attendance upon these -their imperious mistresses. These, with the waiting slaves and court -musicians, brought up the number present to considerably over twelve -thousand. Yet there were wide spaces between the pillars, and our -heroes with their followers were by no means crowded. - -The queen and king sat on two thrones, side by side, only her throne was -elevated several steps above his, and of a much more gorgeous -description. - -Fifty broad but shallow steps led from the hall up to the platform on -which the thrones were placed. At each corner of the steps crouched -sphinxes, as large as full grown lions, made from beaten gold. The -throne of the queen, with its canopy and dais, were composed entirely of -exquisitely carved ivory, encrusted with diamonds. That of the king was -of gold, and, beyond the back, had no canopy. - -Queen Isori had been bathed, perfumed, and re-costumed since our heroes -had last seen her. She now appeared more like the conventional woman, -and less like the paladin. - -Her jet black hair was plaited, and hung down over her shoulders in two -thick links, being placed also low on her broad forehead. Above this -sat her serpent tiara. - -Her superb arms were naked to the shoulders, except for the jewelled -bracelets and wristlets that she wore. One breast was also bare, the -other being covered with golden scales. Large ear-rings rested against -her cheeks, and a wide necklet of diamonds and a Scarabaeus made of -emerald, as a pendant, encircled her smooth neck. From the snake zone -round her waist, to her jewelled sandals, fell a robe of diaphanous and -changing silk in numerous folds, which, closely plaited as these were, -still exhibited her limbs beneath. In her right hand she held a sceptre -of ivory, gold, and jewels, while at her sides kneeled eight slaves -fanning her with large peacock feathers. In front of them crouched two -living lions and four leopards. - -CHAPTER THIRTY TWO. - -KING SOTU TO THE RESCUE. - -This was the gorgeous spectacle that greeted our adventurers as they -were led by Pylea and her young warriors through the staring crowd of -Karnadamains. - -They paused at the bottom of the steps to make their best bow, yet they -did not attempt to kneel as the amazons were doing. - -The queen looked them over leisurely for a full minute, then she slowly -extended her arm and lowered her sceptre towards them; as she raised it -again, Pylea and her followers stood up. - -"You are welcome, strangers, to our court," she said, in that clear, -penetrating voice, so distinct yet so coldly smooth. "Approach, young -chief," she added, pointing to Ned, who slowly went up the steps until -he was a few feet from the lions and leopards; then he prudently paused. - -"We have not beheld a man like you before. You are young and strong -and, we hear, can fight. We are pleased with you." - -Ned bowed and blushed deeply. - -"You have a request to make to us. Reveal it without delay." - -Ned cleared his throat, and, in the most flowing terms at his command, -said that, having seen her greatness and been blinded by her glory and -majesty, he was more than satisfied, and would fain take his departure, -with his followers. - -Her majesty frowned as she listened to this request, and when it was -finished, she said in the some even tones-- - -"That may be, stranger. But many of my warriors require husbands, as -they will be widows presently." - -She looked round the hall with a slight smile, embracing Sotu in that -sweeping glance before she stared once more at Ned. Poor Sotu shrank on -his throne, while the male portion of the audience shook visibly. - -"We hear you do not spend your leisure hours composing poetry and -drinking wine, but that you run and wrestle as our women do. This is a -new experience to us, of mankind, and we desire to see more of it." - -Like Napoleon the First, and some other great people, Queen Isori was -accustomed to utter her thoughts and wishes without the slightest regard -for her audience. She continued, as clearly and smoothly as before-- - -"This is our pleasure. Tomorrow we shall hold a tournament of racing -and wrestling. We choose you as our antagonist, and those of our -warriors who have had enough of their present husbands shall select a -man from your followers. If you prevail over us, then we shall be your -servants; but if we prevail over you, then you shall be our servants to -do with as we please. I have spoken. You may kiss my hand." - -Yes; she had spoken, Ned thought, as he bent over the shapely -ring-covered fingers extended to him, and touched them with his lips. -She had spoken, and placed him in about as bad a fix as Paul Kruger had -done. - -He glanced at Sotu as he hastily retreated from the vicinity of Isori -and her wild beasts. The king sat in a limp state of collapse most -pitiful to see. His under jaw had fallen, his black eyes showed a -bloodshot rim right round them, his saffron cheeks were bleached, and -his sharp nose was blue. Already he felt the fatal noose closing round -his thirsty throat. - -"King Sotu gives a feast tonight, and we have promised then to listen to -his powerful epic. Those warriors who intend competing tomorrow will be -excused from this evening's revel." - -Calm and smooth as ever was that dismissal uttered. Ned and his chums -quitted that glorious hall in desperation. - -Pylea went with them, with her company. They were all very silent and -grave as they passed along the streets; nor did they utter a word until -they were inside the garden walls. Then Ned could contain his feelings -no longer. - -"See here, Pylea; I cannot stand this sort of arrangement. Poor images -as King Sotu and the other objects are; this is playing it too rough on -them, and on us also. The stakes are too heavy. As a good chum, give -us your advice." - -"Her majesty has snared you, my friends," replied Pylea, sadly. -"Whether you win or lose, she will keep to her purpose; for she never -changes. If you conquer her tomorrow, it will be all the same as if she -conquered you, for she has promised nothing. The king is doomed." - -"Then we must escape at once. Will you help us?" Pylea sat silent for -a long time, looking at her comrades, then she said-- - -"The queen is immovable, but King Sotu is crafty, and may help us for -his own sake. I dare not aid you by day, and no one can leave the city -at night without an order from the queen, backed by her signet ring. -Now, Sotu is his wife's secretary, and he alone dare approach her when -she sleeps. Perhaps he will write this order and steal the ring. I -shall go and see him while the queen is resting after her journey." - -"Good. Meantime see that your chariots are ready and your leopards well -fed, and we will pack up!" cried Ned. - -"Do not stir from here till I come. If I can, I shall bring the king -with me." - -They had to wait a weary time before Pylea returned with her -terror-stricken and dejected male monarch. As soon as Ned saw him he -trailed him inside the hall and poured out a flagon of wine for him. -This the king swallowed at a gulp, then he sank on a couch with a hollow -groan. - -"Pluck up, your majesty! If you help us to clear out tonight you'll -live to compose many epics, odes, roundelays, and couplets yet. It only -wants an effort, and a little wit." - -"It requires more than all these to outwit Isori. I can write out the -order--nay, it is here. I may also steal the ring while she sleeps if I -can only keep sober enough. But 'tis of this I fear; how can I keep so, -having to give a feast? Why did you come here to trouble me? Oh, that -fatal epic! It has been my ruin." - -"You must resist the amber and ruby for this once if you wish to have -many more bowls. Let me tie this rope round your neck, and it will -remind you of your doom if you swallow one cup too much." - -"No, thanks!" cried Sotu, shrinking back. - -"I shall go to the feast," said Pylea, quietly, "and guard you as much -as I can. The queen will retire early. You must leave the feast -immediately she goes; for a time, then I shall walk you about in the -gardens till you are quite sober. After you get me the ring you may -return to the table and enjoy yourself." - -"And what about tomorrow?" asked the king, fearfully. - -"If you do not get the ring tonight, sire, tomorrow you will be dead," -answered Pylea, impressively. - -"But who will take the blame?" - -"I shall," answered Ned. "I shall write a letter to the queen, and -return the ring after I have used it; she will then think that I have -taken it. Only get it first, and then make yourself dead drunk -afterwards. That will remove her suspicion, if she has any respecting -you." - -"I'll keep sober and do it," cried the king, almost resolutely. -"Afterwards, perchance, I may empty a few goblets to avert suspicion. -Pour me out another cup of wine." - -"No more at present," said Pylea. "Remember what you have to do." - -His majesty was used to being controlled by his female subjects, -therefore did not repeat his request. He did not stay long, however, -after the arrangements were completed. - -The gods had gifted him, as they generally do limited and feeble minds, -with an amazing amount of vanity and self-complacency. He possessed all -the composure, easy assurance, and superciliousness of a tenth-rate -actor, weak author, singer, or juvenile critic. He was like the rest of -his class, utterly depraved in his habits and instincts; cruel, selfish, -crafty, and cold by nature, as well as timid and treacherous. But he -was a most highly educated dilettante, and a proficient in those small -imitative arts and sciences which his warlike spouse so openly despised; -he could paint well, cook well, and play well, according to the stiff, -faulty, and formal laws of a limited past. Every art, science, and -tradition in this country stood still. Nothing had progressed during -the centuries in this land except the women. In fact, he patronised and -dabbled in most of the refined branches of that effete civilisation. He -had no sense of humour. Shallow-minded and conceited people never are -witty, nor can they appreciate a subtile jest. He affected cynicism, -but it was of the feeble and tasteless order. In matters of tradition -and custom he was a dogged believer and slave. Strength and authority -he cringed abjectly under. Insult passed over him like water from the -back of a duck. When not under the immediate influence of fear, he was -as impervious to all other emotions as consuming vanity could make him. -He considered himself as the super-refined salt of the earth, and his -wife as a superb animal, who pleased his artistic senses with her -matchless charms, and protected him with her strength. He was supremely -satisfied with himself, and also with her, and delighted to speak about -and extol her superior points. - -As for the other little drawbacks of his self-indulgent existence, his -ignoble place and loss of dignity, he did not feel any more shame in the -servitude than a flunkey can; while regarding his eventual destiny, as -long as he did not feel the noose at his neck, he was as happily -oblivious to it as the contented pig is amongst the acorns. - -"Death comes to all alike, in some form or other," he would say -cynically, when he saw the mummy-case sent round, "and we must pay some -price for our pleasant lives." - -He had entered the presence of Ned and his followers the most woebegone -and shivering wretch that ever stood on the gallows. But the sight of -their stalwart forms and resolute faces restored his confidence. It was -like a reprieve to the condemned felon, a week's engagement to the needy -and improvident actor. From abject terror he bounded into the regions -of insufferable assurance, like an inflated air-ball. - -He insisted on reciting his epic before he took his departure, and dwelt -lingeringly over its choice language and far-fetched imagery. -Fortunately it was brief, for he was one of these poets whose muse is -gaspy in her leaps, as well as obscure in her metaphor and phrases. -Like a small phial, his mind could not carry or give much at a time, but -he fondly believed that what he gave was quintessence. His thoughts -were aged, stale, and feeble, but he dressed them well, and considered, -as so many of our moderns do, that the dressing was all that need be -considered or admitted. Our heroes bore the infliction meekly, for they -remembered their own lost and adored diary; but Pylea and her -companions, and also the Kaffirs, yawned most rudely. - -Ned, thinking to please this royal poet, further presented to him a -spare compass which he had, also a revolver and a rifle, with some -ammunition. Sotu accepted the compass with effusive thanks, but he -shuddered and recoiled before the other gifts. - -"Send these to the queen; she will appreciate them, and they may soften -her wrath, after you are gone. Meantime I must go, as I have to -superintend my cooks. There is a new dish which I am introducing -tonight from an ancient formula, and I find wonderful amusement in -preparing it." - -"Indeed," answered Ned, politely. "What is it?" - -"The forgotten art of cooking quails. We pluck and partly boil them -alive in oil before stuffing and roasting them. The natural juices are -thus retained, and the flesh is tenderer than by keeping them until -stale." - -"Ah!" murmured Ned, trusting in his heart that this refined cook might -also have a little slow boiling in oil before he was too stale. - -"I have invented some pots, with lids specially contrived to keep the -birds' heads outside. We plunge their bodies in the cold oil, and bring -it very gradually to the boiling-point. We are able to tell in this way -when they are sufficiently done, and that is the instant they expire. -It is a pleasant sight to watch their heads during the process." - -"Is it, sire? For the watcher, or for the birds?" - -"The watcher, of course," replied the king, smiling, as he caught what -he thought was the joke. "We remove them then, stuff them with garlic, -pine-apple, and bananas, and slightly roast them within tamarisk leaves. -I shall send you a dish of them tonight. They are most delicate in -flavour and rarely succulent." - -Ned bowed. He felt like kicking this callous and cowardly fiend, but -policy forced him to dissemble. - -"It will be also strictly necessary for you to take with you some royal -gifts, so as to give colour to your leaving. I have control of the -queen's treasure-house, and I shall attend to this, and send you some of -our artwork in gold, with a few good stones. I shall also give you, as -a parting gift from myself, some dainties of my own preparing to partake -of on your journey." - -Sotu smiled gently as he said these words, and took his departure. - -"Have nothing to do with the king's quails and dainties. He is an adept -at poisoning, and he only smiles like that when he meditates torture and -death," said Pylea, earnestly, as soon as the royal wretch had gone. - -"He is a genial gentleman," replied Ned, lightly. "I wonder he hasn't -long since poisoned his wife." - -"He dare not, for his own sake. When she dies his daughter will reign, -and her first act will be to strangle her father." - -"Blessed King Sotu!--happy land!" said our heroes. - -By sundown they were all prepared to leave. In the dusk several mutes -brought the promised gifts from the treasury. Some time afterwards the -dainties arrived in golden vessels. - -Our heroes emptied the eatables out on a shrub-covered part of the -garden, but the dishes they packed up with the other articles of virtu. -There were a water bag full of large diamonds, and over three -hundredweight of cups, vases, and images of gods made from the purest -gold. The hearts of our adventurers beat lightly as they distributed -this precious weight amongst their packages. - -Six hours after this they paced the ground and watched the illuminated -palaces from the walls of their garden, in a fever of unrest and -anxiety. Their hopes were all depending upon the self-restraint of this -hopeless drunkard, and Pylea. Would she succeed? - -The full moon shone over the city, so beautiful and stately, with its -carved and painted walls, delicious gardens, deep canals, arches, and -wide steps; on its monuments, obelisks, sphinxes, and mighty temples; on -its crowded, broad avenued streets and gleaming lake beyond, where -floated the sloping-prowed barges, with their awnings and gilded -saloons. - -Would Pylea succeed and secure the ring? The chariots were standing -laden inside the garden walls, ready for the leopards to be harnessed to -them. The young amazons were fondling the fed and tamed beasts in their -cages within the stables, or walking beside their sable friends in the -side avenues. They were bidding the handsome Kaffirs, whom they could -not keep, farewell. Womanlike, they would rather see them go than see -them owned by more powerful rivals. But they were grave and melancholy -at the coming sacrifice, and did not resent the dark manly arms that -were round their armoured waists. Doubtless they were listening to -words that they would not soon forget. - -Gradually the streets emptied, and chariots rolled from the palace -gates, drawn by the amazons who had been guests of the queen and king. -Only the husbands were left behind with Sotu. The queen had retired. -Another hour of fearful suspense passed, and then Pylea appeared with -the signet-ring. King Sotu had kept his word for once in his aimless -life. - -CHAPTER THIRTY THREE. - -THE ESCAPE. - -Swiftly and silently the leopards were harnessed to the chariots. Then -each amazon took the reins, and, with her particular friend beside her, -drove through the gates and into the almost deserted streets. - -It was two hours past midnight now, and the citizens, with the exception -of the guards and the male revellers, were long since asleep. - -A lovely night for a drive, for young people particularly. Only the -roaring of the confined beasts, with the calling of the frogs in the -papyrus reeds, could be heard. Serene and mellow the moon looked down -from a cloudless sky upon the restful city, the empty wharfs and stairs, -and the fringe-lined lake, where also slept their god-ships, the -crocodiles. It was a splendid country for women, cats, crocodiles, -serpents, and other sacred and venerated things, but not so favourable -to men. Our adventurers were leaving it gladly. - -At the outer gate they had a little trouble, as Pylea had expected. - -The commandress chanced to be one of the ladies who had decided to -compete in the lists on the morrow. She had fixed her discriminating -eyes upon Cocoeni, and when roused up by a subordinate, regarded the -exodus with gloomy suspicion. - -The order, however, was so definite, and the signet-ring beyond dispute; -yet she wanted some particulars. - -"It is the written command of Queen Isori, that these strangers pass -through without delay. They go to offer sacrifice to their gods in the -desert before the contest," added Pylea, with a dig of her heel at Ned, -who crouched behind. - -"Yes, dauntless captain," said Ned. "Your gods are not our gods, nor -your customs ours." - -"Are these the sacrifices you take with you?" asked the stately amazon, -pointing to the packages. - -"Yes," answered Ned, brazenly, "our offerings are all there." - -"It is strange, for I was with the queen before supper, and she said -nothing of this. Let me send a messenger to her." - -"By no means. See, it is written here that she is not to be disturbed -this night on pain of death. She is weary with her journey, and wishes -to prepare also against the morning." - -"Humph! it is my duty; pass on." - -Ned waited with Pylea to see the other chariots go through. As they did -so, the native amazon looked at each one keenly. - -"Stop!" she cried, as Cocoeni was passing; "this is the man I have -chosen to fight with. Step forth and let me look at you." - -"Get out and satisfy the captain, Cocoeni," said Ned. "Show your -muscles, and be quick about it." - -Cocoeni rose, nothing loth, and stalked up to the side of the amazon. -She turned him round, feeling his biceps critically, as an intending -purchaser might examine a horse. Standing side by side, their heads -were on a level, a splendid pair as to height and breadth of shoulders. -But the woman had seen more than thirty summers, whereas Cocoeni was her -junior by many years. - -"You are a fine fellow, yet I think I can throw you," she said, while -her black eyes sparkled with admiration. "Will you try once with me -now?" - -"Shall I, baas?" - -"Yes," answered Ned. "Get her on the other side of the gate, over by -the green bank, while we all pass through. Then, don't waste any time, -grip her quick and pitch her into the lake, if you can. It will create -a diversion." - -He gave these instructions, in English; then, turning to the warlike -dame, he said mildly in her language-- - -"The lord Cocoeni will take up your offer, brave lady; but as I have no -desire to see either of you hurt on the hard stones, and so spoil our -sport when the day comes, I fix upon yonder soft sward as the ground. -One throw only." - -"So let it be." - -The dame retired for a moment to prepare herself and do up her hair. -She had been standing up to now in her night costume. - -While she was absent, Pylea whispered something to one of her band. The -girl nodded, and, turning her chariot, darted back the way they came. - -"Where is she going?" asked Ned. - -"To keep watch in the shadows," whispered Pylea. "This woman is my -aunt, therefore I know her well. She will send a messenger to the -palace while she delays us, and that messenger must be stopped." - -"Oh! Cannot we make a bolt for it while she is inside?" - -"Two hundred bows would be bent if we did so. One bow will be quite -sufficient," answered Pylea, calmly. - -She was a plucky girl, quick and prompt in her actions, and had proved a -first-rate chum all through to Ned and his friends, but she had no weak -sentimentalism about her. She could remove a human impediment with the -some utter indifference that country ladies kill pullets. As a friend, -however, she was sans reproche. Ned felt that the present occasion was -one in which he must not be too fastidious, yet he shuddered to think of -the luckless messenger. - -As the last of the chariots, except that one which had turned back, -passed beneath the lintel of the archway, Ned saw a white-robed, -bald-headed little man steal out of a side-window, and glide rapidly -across the moonlight to the shadow side of the road. As he did so, -Pylea again touched Ned with her foot. - -"My aunt will be a widow sooner than she intended," she whispered. -"There goes my uncle to meet his death." - -Almost immediately afterwards the amazonian aunt came out of the -guard-house door, clad in light chain armour, and with only a scarf tied -tightly round her waist. She was barefooted, so that she might not slip -easy. She looked a formidable figure as she strode over to where -Cocoeni was waiting for her. A crowd of the guard was gathered round, -leaving the gate open and unprotected. - -"Wait one instant," said Pylea. "Ah, here they come." - -The young amazon who had been sent back, drove her chariot and her -Kaffir passenger almost noiselessly. She nodded slightly as she drew -up, and murmured softly-- - -"He lies in the shadow, thirty yards distant. I removed the arrow from -his heart as we passed him." - -"Good," answered Pylea; then together they passed through the gate and -drew up at the other side. - -Pylea, having ordered her followers to drive on out of arrow-shot, -remained behind with Ned and Cocoeni's driver to watch the contest. - -The combatants stood face to face watching each other keenly, and -looking out for a chance to spring in. The newly made widow was a wily -old bird, and up to every feint. She was in no haste to close, as she -wished to linger the game. Several times she pretended to be about to -take the leap, always to draw back. - -"Quick, Cocoeni; trust to your strength and finish it," cried Ned, who -was chaffing at the delay. - -"All right, baas." - -Cocoeni walked slowly towards the amazon, who now began to retreat, but -towards the edge of the water. Seeing this, she suddenly sprang to one -side and attempted to pass him. - -It was a fatal move; for Cocoeni, quick as lightning, leapt upon her, -and gripped her sideways, slipping both arms under hers as she twisted -round. - -There was no question of chivalry or gentle treatment now. The woman -felt, as those muscular long arms closed round her, as if she was in the -embrace of a python. It was such a hug as she had never before -received. Her ribs felt cracking, and her lungs compressed so that she -could not breathe or use her arms. She was taken at a disadvantage and -completely at his mercy. - -Cocoeni had his back towards the lake, which was three yards distant. -With a hoarse, savage laugh, he imprinted a loud kiss on the open mouth -so close to him, and the next instant sent her flying over his head -three feet clear of the bank. With a shrill cry and a loud splash, she -disappeared into the water. - -"There, baas, she will not forget the throw of Cocoeni," he shouted, as -he clambered into his chariot. - -Away they dashed at full speed--getting a parting glimpse of the -drenched dame as she scrambled drippingly ashore; past the suburban -villas and fields and out to the arid desert. - -"My aunt Culpatra will not be content with one messenger," cried Pylea, -as they rushed along. "We shall be pursued by the queen and her army. -Fortunately, we have an hour's start, and these animals are the best in -Karnadama." - -"But extra loaded," answered Ned. - -"Yes; yet you can shoot with your guns further than they can with their -arrows." - -"I hope we shall not have to do this." - -Twice before daybreak did Pylea and her companions stop their leopards -to feed them with those little cakes. After the animals had eaten these -they went on with renewed speed. - -"What is that you give them, Pylea?" - -"Something to keep them fresh. A little does them good and removes -fatigue. Too much will kill them, yet they will run with unabated speed -until they drop dead. I fear most of these will be dead when we reach -the mountain, for we must not spare them this journey." - -Day came and almost passed, without any signs of pursuit. The only -stops they made were those when more of the cakes were given to the -animals. Then they went on again at full speed, seemingly as fresh as -ever. - -The sun was just dipping below the desert line when Ned saw a long low -cloud appear. He did not need to call the attention of Pylea to ask its -meaning. The pursuers were coming. - -All that night the leopards ran at their swiftest, being fed often. -When morning broke the gold mountain was distinctly visible; but so also -were their followers. A long line of moving dust rolled in the rear, -spreading miles wide. Queen Isori had brought half her army with her, -and they were driving lightly. She was resolved to stop the fugitives -if she could. - -Onwards! The pursuers are gaining ground, but they are still as far off -as the mountain, and it is stationary. - -The leopards are fed recklessly, and rush along madly as if they were -free. With long bounds they cover yards of ground at a time. Their -eyes blaze fearfully, and bloody froth flies from their gaping jaws. -They want no driving now; they are possessed with the most savage fury. - -"They will reach the mountain. We dare feed them no longer; they are -mad," cried Pylea, looking only at the cliffs. - -Ned was looking behind. How rapidly the pursuers were gaining! Already -he could distinguish individuals where before he had only seen a -confused mass. Their arrows were gleaming in the bright sunbeams. - -At last! The chariot jolted suddenly and overturned, sending Ned and -his bundle sprawling. Pylea had leaped lightly out and was helping him -up. - -The leopards lay gasping their last breath. All along the line the -others lay in the same condition. Some had fallen exhausted, others the -amazons had slain with their arrows, to prevent the maddened beasts from -dashing against the rocks. - -The drivers and passengers were running full speed for the archway, -carrying their loads with them. From the desert came a hoarse roar like -the sound of waves breaking on shingle. - -It was the army of Karnadama urging on their lions and leopards. - -"Quick!" panted Pylea, no longer calm. - -Ned got up and ran, as he had never done before, through the hall, and -up the long stairway that led to freedom. - -"Run on for your lives, and look not back; we will follow," cried Pylea, -as she ranged her warriors in front of the stairs. - -Up they went, one after the other, as fast as they could scramble, those -thousands of steps. Exhausted at last, they reached the chamber of the -pythons. - -Here they sank down breathless to wait on Pylea and her regiment. - -Not a sound could be heard from below. Had the brave girls remained -there to face their infuriated queen? For the second time in their -lives our heroes felt themselves to be mean cowards. The first time had -been when they killed the baby gorilla. - -"We can never leave these brave girls in the lurch like this, lads. We -must return and save them, or die with them," cried Ned, in sharp tones -of agony. - -Gripping his revolver, and followed by his men, he rushed with frantic -steps down the stairs. - -At the fourth landing he stopped suddenly. There before him leaned -against the wall the friend of Cocoeni, with the blood dripping through -her fingers as she pressed her hand against her side. - -"Come no further," she gasped faintly. "I only am left alive." - -"What!" cried Ned, starting back in dismay. "Are they all slain? Is -Pylea also dead?" - -Cocoeni by this time had reached forward, and was holding the dying girl -in his arms, the hot tears running down his cheeks. - -"All," replied the girl. "I was sent forward to close the wall at the -first stair. Before I reached it they were cut down. I saw Pylea fall -even as I received this wound, but I had strength enough to close the -stone door and creep up the stairs thus far." - -Her head sank as she uttered the last words against the breast of -Cocoeni. - -"Bring her up to the hall, Cocoeni," said Ned, brokenly. - -Not a dry eye was amongst them. - -Cocoeni carried her up as gently as he could, but before they reached -the sculptured hall, she was almost gone. - -As he laid her down, she opened her eyes and smiled wanly. Then she -whispered so faintly that they had to bend close to hear the feeble -accents. - -"They cannot open the door I closed, for hours. You have time to -escape. Destroy the stairs at the top and you are safe." - -Her military trained mind was still planning, even although the -life-blood was nearly drained from her heart. Another long pause, and -then she opened her lips and her eyes for the last time. - -"Cocoeni, you are only a man, after all, for you are weeping just as -ours do when they are hurt. Kiss me, as you did two nights ago in the -garden, for which I rebuked you then, but I am now as weak and foolish -as you are." - -Cocoeni pressed his warm lips to her cold ones. When he removed them -her lips remained apart. She was dead. - -CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR. - -THE RETURN. - -"It is a wonderful story, boys. With those stones and bric-a-brac to -support it, I am the last man in the world to cast doubts upon its -veracity. I wish, however, that you had brought with you that quarter -cohort of young amazons; we could do with them now in Rhodesia. -However, go on and finish your yarn. What did you do with this poor -girl?" - -Dr Jim had received our heroes at Bulawayo. - -At present they were on their way from the capital of Rhodesia to -Mafeking with a train-load of native allies. Other laden trains were -following in their track. - -Much had happened during their absence from the field of progress, as -their captain informed them. The Transvaal Government only, like the -kingdom of Karnadama, stood still. - -The suzerainty dispute had swallowed up many mouths, while Kruger, with -his usual policy of aggressive arrogance and false professions, had lain -like a great tortoise in the way, pushing its head out, and drawing it -back again before it could be chopped off. - -He was making a move at last. Emboldened by the quiet deportment of -Britain, he considered that the hour had arrived when he could show his -head plainly, and walk on as he wanted. - -Crafty and timid although he was, Kruger had not been idle inside his -shell. He had watched the political troubles that threatened his enemy, -until now he considered their hands too full with outside affairs to be -able to send much help to South Africa. - -It was a fixed belief with Kruger and his countrymen that England was in -the same position that the Roman Empire had been when her legions were -recalled from Albion. He knew how her power was envied by the other -great nations, and how isolated she stood facing the world. He had -intrigued with those ill-wishers until he considered himself sure of -support. - -Only blind hatred moved him now. To break the power of this abhorred -race, he was prepared to sacrifice the Republic and make his countrymen -serfs, so that he might be allowed to have a life-post as governor, and -see the Uitlanders crushed. - -"You have just come in time to take a hand in clearing the board, if you -are not afraid to venture once more into Krugerland," Dr Jim had told -them when he met them. - -"We have sure intelligence that he intends to abrogate the Convention of -London, and declare the absolute independence of the South African -Republic on the tenth of this month. We have a copy of his intended -ultimatum. He will allow the Uitlanders only twenty-four hours to -decide whether they will declare themselves as enemies to their native -land, or else be driven from the country, or imprisoned, with their -property confiscated. A general massacre is clearly intended of all who -dare resist. - -"It is now the third of October, so that we have seven days before us to -prepare for the old murderer. We have not been idle any more than -Kruger has, and this time we have played his own game, the hiding one. -From Fourteen Streams to the Portuguese border on the north we have the -Transvaal environed and practically hemmed in; from Fourteen Streams to -Usuta they are also isolated, although they do not know it; the natives -of Swazi and Gaza lands are ready to rise at the signal, and pour across -the border; a fleet of warships protects Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and -Durban, so that the tactics of Mr Schreiner are so far defeated. - -"We have hundreds of volunteers on their way from Canada, Australia, and -New Zealand. They are bringing arms and ammunition enough for all -purposes. They will land at Durban and Cape Town in a few weeks at -latest. Yes; I think we are nearly ready this time for the tortoise -when he puts out his head, without having to trouble our mother for too -much help, except those who man her fleet." - -"And what can we do?" asked our heroes. "Command us, for we are ready." - -"Well, I want you, Romer, to take a message into Johannesburg, and wait -there till the fun begins." - -"Yes," replied Ned. - -"You must have some kind of disguise. I see you have grown a crop of -down on your cheeks. I think you might sacrifice that, and you'll make -as smashing a young woman as one of your amazons." - -Ned laughed, and said he was willing to change his sex for the time. - -"All right," replied the doctor. "We'll put the dressmaker of Mafeking -on to you and your chums, and send you in to cajole the Boers. You, -Raybold, must go to Pretoria. And you, Weldon, to Bloemfontein. I -shall want Cocoeni and his fellows along with me. - -"There must be no hesitation this time amongst the Uitlanders. On the -midnight of the eleventh they must rise to a man, and hold the different -towns until the outside forces join you. If all goes well, as I cannot -see how it can miss, take possession of the trains and telegraph -offices, so as to let no message go out or enter the land. Our part of -the game must be finished before the world can hear about its opening, -and this rotten Republic will then be a thing of the past. We intend to -hold the kopjes this campaign, and force these skunks into the open; -also to avoid bloodshed as much as possible, only the victory must be on -our side--and complete." - -Dr Jim gave our heroes a great many other details and instructions on -the journey down. He had been training and moving men to different -parts for the past seven months in anticipation of this event, as -settlers and their servants, as unostentatiously as he could manage it. -While Kruger had been busy coquetting with foreign powers, and buying -the latest improvement in weapons, Cecil Rhodes had been quietly -stocking and populating the lands adjacent to the Transvaal. - -"By the way, Romer, I have some personal news for you, which might have -interested you more deeply than it is likely to do now that you have -made your own fortune." - -"Yes?" asked Ned, curiously. - -"Mr Rhodes has been home, and looking into your affairs. He always -finds time to attend to the interests of those he takes in hand, with -all his other big concerns." - -"And what has he discovered about me?" - -"That your father first, and afterwards you, trusted as scoundrelly a -thief as was ever transported, to manage your fortune." - -"Ah!" - -"Yes; this Jabez Raymond, the solicitor, has robbed your late father and -you systematically for many years, forging papers and creating mortgages -wholesale. Mr Rhodes knew your father and the position he held during -his life, so he set ruthlessly to work and unveiled the sanctimonious -scoundrel. He is at present doing a seven years' stretch at Dartmoor -for his delinquencies, while your property is being looked after by a -respectable agent. You are at present the possessor of a comfortable -fifteen hundred per annum and a fine estate in Devon, free of all -incumbrances. This, however, is a flea-bite to what you will have when -these stones are sold." - -"Do you think they will realise much?" - -"Two or three hundred thousand pounds at the least, I should say." - -"But by rights they belong to our employer, Mr Cecil Rhodes." - -"He will be content with a share in the mine you have discovered, if it -ever gets into the market. These were presents given to you, therefore -they are undoubtedly your own property," said the doctor. - -"And our followers." - -"Nonsense! These Kaffirs were your servants. Besides, so much money -would ruin them. Divide the stones between you three, for they are -undoubtedly your property. As for the idols and cups, you can lend a -few of them for our Salisbury Museum. Now finish your yarn." - -Dr Jim leaned back on the cushion, smoking his pipe, while Ned resumed -his story. As he told the tale, the train ran smoothly over that -country which so lately had been an unexplored wilderness. - -"We had no time to mourn long over the poor young amazon who had fallen -a victim to friendship. We knew that our pursuers would spare no -efforts to reach us as soon as they could do so. - -"Therefore, satisfied that she, Rhae, was no more, we opened one of the -mummy-cases, and, taking out the original lodger, we placed her inside -instead. We wrapped her up in the outer linen of the mummy, after -reading the service over her, and replaced the lid of the sarcophagus. -Properly, I suppose, she should have been embalmed, for, according to -her religion, her soul was in jeopardy by her being entombed in this -fashion. But I dare say she'll find her body again at the resurrection -day quite as easily as any of her countrywomen will find their more -carefully preserved earthly shells. - -"This done we started up the stairs, carrying the mummy with us. We did -this so as not to horrify the Karnadamains too much with our sacrilege. -We reached the top all right; then, remembering the dying advice of Rhae -about breaking down the steps, I took back with me a good charge of -gunpowder and dynamite, and, placing this in a wide crevice about a -couple of dozen steps from the top, I ran up a train of gunpowder to the -hall above. - -"I had hardly finished this operation when we heard them coming. We -could hear their shouts and the clashing of their armour as they filled -the chamber below and crowded up the stairs. At once I fired the train, -and bolted as hard as I could spin to the outer door of the hall. - -"I had only taken about a dozen leaps when the explosion took place. -Into the vast hall the smoke and dust flew from the smaller room, -accompanied by the crushing and tumbling of the blasted slabs. - -"As soon as the sounds ceased and the smoke cleared, we ventured back to -look at the damage done. We had demolished not only the stairs, but -torn great masses out of the walls of the room as well. Where the -entrance to the stairs had been now lay several tons of broken masonry; -the passage was completely blocked up. - -"We listened, but heard no sounds from below; then, satisfied that we -were at last safe, we left the large painted hall. - -"Outside we went on the walls and looked over. There a vast crowd of -chariots were standing, with a number of amazon guards. They saw us, -and several bent their bows, but we could afford to laugh at this -display, as the arrows only reached a short distance up the cliffs. - -"We at once hurried away, however, for suddenly a thought occurred to me -that there might be some other way up, and we had no desire to be -captured. - -"Another thing made us not linger in that deserted citadel. We had -plenty of ammunition and wealth, etc., but we had very little -provisions, and only about one bag full of water. - -"Fortunately we were going down the hill, and knew exactly how long we -should take before we reached the Rhodes fountain. But for all that, we -were nearly dead from thirst before we reached it. - -"Those awful bashikonay ants were in our minds also, all down that hot -and parching defile. If we should meet them here, there was no hope for -us. Luckily we did not, nor did we see any of them again. - -"The stream was still running as clearly as ever. We felt happy when we -reached it, even although we had not half a meal each left out of our -scanty stock. - -"Nor did we taste anything after that until we were a full day's journey -from the mountain. Then we killed a couple of lions, and had to satisfy -our appetites on them until we got once more amongst the game. - -"Here we were all right. We stayed three weeks on the plains, hunting -and drying meat, and otherwise preparing ourselves for the dismal -forest. We had not lost a man since starting, and for this we all -rejoiced; but in the return through the forest we were not quite so -fortunate, and I am sorry to have to report the loss of ten, whom we had -to bury there. - -"One day we ran right into a camp of those active little nomads, who -surrounded us and gave us battle. How many they were we could not tell, -as they dodged us amongst the trees and brushwood. - -"There must have been thousands, for although we shot about fifty of -them and kept the rest at bay, yet we suffered from them night and day -afterwards. Not until we were clear of the forest were we able to shake -them off. - -"They were dreadful and revengeful pests; nor were we ever sure when we -might be pierced with one of their poisoned arrows. - -"Three of our boys went down during the first conflict, and after that -the rest of the ten died from the effects of the poison, one after the -other. They had been touched in vital parts, or else neglected to look -after their wounds at the time. - -"I got one arrow in the ankle, but my boot so far protected me, that my -wound was better in a week. Cocoeni was wounded in the arm, and -suffered dreadfully for three weeks. The others who were hit managed to -suck the poison out quickly and wash the wounds with disinfectants, so -that they managed to escape. - -"None of us had fever, however, coming back. The constant excitement we -were kept in by these dwarfish, light-coloured savages, with the quick -marches we took, must have saved us from that evil. - -"After the forest was over, the rest of our journey was only a matter of -time. You may judge of our astonishment, however, when one day we saw -the corrugated iron roof of a railway station where some months before -we had passed through a country peopled only by natives. You cannot, -however, realise our delight when amongst those who came to welcome us -we beheld you--the hero of South Africa." - -"I was as delighted to see you, my lads, and so will Mr Rhodes, when he -lands in Cape Town and gets my telegram announcing your safe return. -Let me congratulate you on your remarkable success. You have more than -answered our expectations, and I am proud of your achievements." - -"That repays us tenfold for all we have gone through," answered our -heroes, with beaming faces and exultant hearts. - -CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE. - -"TO YOUR TENTS, O ISRAEL!" - -At Mafeking our heroes received their final instructions, and were -metamorphosed into three large-boned, amazonian young women, more -awe-inspiring than beautiful to look upon. They were costumed in a -homely fashion, as they were acting the character of domestic servants. -Under this disguise they passed scrutiny and were not suspected by their -fellow-passengers. Tall women are by no means a novelty nowadays, nor -are awkward and masculine women, since bicycles and feminine athletics -are the vogue. Indeed, to find a gentle, soft-voiced, graceful, and -retiring lady traveller is now the exception rather than the rule. - -Therefore, when our heroes forgot their acting and took big leaps in and -out of carriage doors, or crossed their legs and their arms, it did not -strike any one as peculiar behaviour. Women of this generation do all -that men were at one time only privileged to do. They raise their -dresses and plant their feet on the cushioned seats opposite them, and -do all sorts of things that were at one time supposed to be most -indelicate. Our heroes, being well-bred, gentlemanly young fellows, -conducted themselves a great deal more decorously than the majority of -nineteenth-century ladies would have behaved. Indeed, their native -politeness made them appear singularly superior servant-girls. - -They left their treasures with Dr Jim to bank for them at Mafeking, and -went on together as far as Bloemfontein, in the Orange Free State. - -They had changed trains at De Aar, and again at Tuur Berg for the Boer -line. - -At Bloemfontein the first of their partings took place, where Fred went -off. - -Ned and Clarence felt a bit melancholy when they said good-bye to their -faithful and long-tried chum. They reckoned that some fighting had to -be done before they were re-united, if ever they were. If it could have -been managed they would have liked to do the fighting in company, yet as -it could not be so, they bore the parting bravely. - -As the pair crossed the border at Viljoen's Drift, and saw the train -boarded by the hateful Boers, they felt the old rage again possess them, -which had so long been almost forgotten. These arrogant, uncouth -bullies, who treated male and female with the same rough brutality, made -them clench their teeth and draw their brows together until they looked -very forbidding females indeed. - -But the officials were wonderfully pleasant towards them, considering -their unfriendly demeanour. They admired muscle and bone like theirs, -and said audibly that they would be fine vrows some day, when they got -fatter. They were passed on much more easily than they expected. Once -Ned had to correct an impertinent German, who tried to make himself -agreeable in the fashion some cads have with unprotected females. Ned -promptly knocked the ruffian down and kicked him under the seat. Then -he leaned back calmly and gazed out of the window, until he suddenly -recollected that he should have called the guard instead. He did this -at once as soon as he remembered his sex, and had the man removed in a -very dejected and dilapidated condition. - -This German did not recover his presence of mind until he reached -Johannesburg. Then, when he saw Ned on the platform, he ran -panic-stricken out of the station, vowing that these Englishwomen were -demons, and that it would be a long time before he wasted his attentions -on another of this ungrateful nation. - -"Good-bye, Clara," said Ned, as he stood with his bonnet-box and bag on -the platform. "Take care of yourself, dear, and don't go falling in -love with a Boer." - -"Don't be afraid, Edwina darling. I'll go for the cruel wretches if -they try to persecute me, as you did with that nasty German." - -"Dort's all right, meme leetle pigeon," shouted a bearded burgher, -showing his big face near. "You just wait till you are asked, then you -vil be von fine old woman." - -"Don't mind the rude fellow, Clara," cried Ned, warningly. But Clarence -was too quick; with a back-handed slap he sent the Boer staggering -backwards a dozen paces. - -"Couldn't hold my hand back, Eddy dear. Englishwomen aren't used to -these compliments, you know." - -"Be careful," said Ned. "Remember our positions." The burgher took his -blow, however, without resentment. Several of his countrymen were -laughing at him, therefore he slunk away quietly. - -"Good-bye, and trusting we may meet soon." - -Ned watched the train start with watering eyes, then he stalked out of -the station and straight to the Three Ace Club. - -As he passed through the streets he noticed that things appeared much -quieter than when he was there before. The police did not interfere so -much with the citizens, nor were the armed Boers so aggressive. It -seemed as if a more tolerant spirit was ruling their behaviour. - -Knowing what he did, Ned was not at all deceived by these false signs of -amiability. When the Boer is meditating some extra treachery he is -always the most amiable. It is only part of his crafty and deceitful -nature. He likes to lull his victim into a trusting condition, so that -he may have him at a disadvantage. He likes to play like a cat with his -prey, and surprise him suddenly. - -Ned knew that Kruger had given orders for this extra tolerance, so that -the citizens might be lulled into security, and that his thunderbolt -might fall the more startlingly upon their devoted heads. This was only -in keeping with his malicious, torture-loving, and savage nature. These -smiling, hard-faced men who looked so grimly indulgent on the unarmed -citizens whom they were deluding, were inwardly thinking gloatingly on -the coming massacre. - -He saw them clinking glasses in the bars with their unconscious victims, -and laughing loudly at their jokes, while their revolvers stuck out -behind--the revolvers that they intended using shortly on the jokers. -Knowing what he did, Ned hated those double-faced wretches with more -intensity. They were less tolerable in their sullen and insulting state -than in their surly humour. - -Once he almost betrayed himself by the start he gave. He had passed -Stephanus Groblaar with his broken nose, standing with some exchange men -at the door of a hotel. - -Stephanus saw him also, and winked leeringly at him as he passed. -Stephanus was a modern city-bred Boer, therefore of the advanced school, -who laughed at religion and morality. With these added vices he -retained all the other evil instincts of his race, so that he was -utterly graceless. - -Ned passed him swiftly with eyes cast down. He glanced over his -shoulder after he had got a little distance, and gave a sigh of relief, -when he saw Stephanus leering on a couple of ladies who were passing. -The supposed servant had only attracted him momentarily. He had failed -to recognise his nose-breaker. - -Ned felt savagely glad that this vindictive foe was in the city. He -trusted he would stay in Johannesburg till the night of the tenth, for -he wanted to have it out with him. - -When he reached the club it was almost empty, but the manager recognised -him and took him upstairs to a bedroom. Here he had a wash, and some -lunch brought to him. Then he lay down and rested for a few hours. - -He was wakened by some one shaking him, and when he opened his eyes he -saw his old friend, Philip Martin, by the bedside. Ned started up and -shook hands. - -"Well, my fine young woman, so you have got back." - -Ned laughed, and told his message, which the other listened to with -sparkling eyes. - -"We have been ready and waiting for this message for months past. So -Kruger is going to make the grand move at last? He will get a mighty -surprise, instead of giving us one, as he intends." - -He rubbed his hands gleefully. - -"I for one am heart-sick of all this long suspense and inaction. I -shall welcome the hour with the greatest delight. Only there will be -some bloodletting before the affair is settled." - -"I don't mind that," answered Ned. "Before I arrived in Johannesburg I -did not know what hatred or revenge meant. It was Kruger and his Boers -who planted these passions in my heart on my first visit. During my -absence the plants did not thrive much. Now that I have returned, -however, the Transvaal air seems to have revived them suddenly." - -"Yes," said Philip Martin. "Hatred, envy, deceit, revenge, greed, and -gracelessness are plants that grow well and quickly in the South African -Republican garden. They are fine Dutch bulbs, and take kindly to the -Transvaal air. Since you have given me the news of this crowning scheme -of perfidy on the part of the crafty and senseless tyrant Kruger, I also -feel as if I don't mind shedding some gore if I can only help to put him -in his proper place--the felon's cell. Lately he has been playing one -of his favourite games with us, which to those in the `know' means -`spoof' eventually. He has been acting the part of `Codlin' as the only -real friend of the Uitlander--the kindly old humourist of Pretoria, the -simple-minded farmer chief." - -"Yes; he tried to make traitors and spies of us in that way," remarked -Ned. - -"Just so. He has been talking about conciliation and the blessedness of -unity amongst brethren. Every Sunday of late he has occupied the Dopper -pulpit, and his orations have been noted for their breadth and mildness. -The police wink at small offenders where before they pounced upon them -rigidly. A general tide of indulgence and generosity appears to be -setting in towards us in every direction. There are rumours that the -franchise and full burgher rights will be proclaimed on the tenth. This -the Volksraad have already formally passed, with certain conditions -which are to be told us by the president himself on that momentous day." - -"Yes," replied Ned, grimly; "the conditions you might have suspected all -along, knowing Kruger's tactics of old. He seems to be an animal of -instinct and habit. Like the dog, he always turns round the regulation -number of times. He never varies in his movements, and never changes." - -"You are right, Romer; he does not. He will humour us up to the last -moment, and then give us our option--to become traitor burghers and -rebels to our queen, or else be shot down ruthlessly. There will be no -mistake about the shooting if we decline, therefore we must take time by -the forelock, and anticipate the kindly intentions of Oom Paul. What -are you going to do meanwhile?" - -"I shall stick to my present disguise, and live most of my time in the -kitchen," continued Ned. "I can also do any little messages you may -want about the city." - -"Yes, that will be best. I'll tell you how you may also serve us, if -you can play your part safely." - -"In what way?" - -"Get a sweetheart in the barracks if you can, and we may, with your -help, be able to surprise them on the eventful night, without having to -dynamite them. It may be a great saving of life on both sides." - -"It is a low game you ask me to play, Philip; but, as the Jesuits say, -`the end justifies the means.' I'll try it on." - -For the next few days all went quietly in Johannesburg. Those outsiders -who were not in the secret were happy that their trouble had blown over, -and that better times were now approaching. The three-ace club-men went -about their business, and pretended to be satisfied, as the ignorant -were. The armed Boers behaved like brothers. - -The past sins of Oom Paul appeared to be condoned. Every one praised -him now as the kindly old patriarch of Pretoria, who was at present hard -at work growing a pair of angel's wings. - -Ned had succeeded in fascinating a big German Zarp, and spent a portion -of each day in his company. Ned took the Teuton in preference to a -Dutchman, as he had not any repugnance to this nation, yet it was a -sacrifice to be amiable even to him. - -On the ninth of the month he had two letters, one from Fred, who called -himself Fanny, and the other from Clarence. They had arranged on terms -by which they would be understood by each other, that might be read -without suspicion by any one. - -Fred wrote-- - -"Dear Edwina,-- - -"When I reached my situation I found that my place was already filled -up, and that I was not wanted. I intend, therefore, to come to -Johannesburg, and be near you and Clara. I'd like to see the shops of -Pretoria, as I hear they are grand affairs. Crowds are going from here, -so I expect there will be a city full presently. - -"Your loving cousin,-- - -"Fanny." - -Between the lines Ned read-- - -"The Orange Free State will join with the Transvaal in the coming -struggle. The Uitlanders here are all prepared, and have efficient -leaders. Volunteers are coming in to help you in great numbers. I am -also coming to take a hand." - -Clarence wrote-- - -"Dear Edwina,-- - -"This is such a pretty place, and I am most comfortable in my situation. -I trust you are the same, I have found a sweetheart, after all, amongst -the Boers, such a nice, useful, frank fellow. He took me to the Dopper -Kirk on Sunday to hear the president preach. What a noble old gentleman -he is, to be sure! So full of Christian charity and fatherly sentiment. -I fairly fell in love with him, as you will, I am sure, when you see -him. My sweetheart is his footman, so that I have been introduced to -the household, and can find my way about. I have a plan how to manage -something, and have already quite a host of friends here and am doing -well. Are you coming up to see me when Fanny comes? Do so if you can, -and I'll get Johann to show us over the private garden of the dear old -president. A lady friend of mine is writing this for me, as I have hurt -my right hand. - -"Your loving friend,-- - -"Clara." - -Ned interpreted this note as follows:-- - -"Game all right. Have got the old humbug Kruger under my eye, and have -a plan how to make him my prisoner when the time comes. Friends here -ready for emergencies. If you can come up and help, do so." - -That same afternoon Fred arrived, and the two took the night train to -Pretoria, having forwarded a wire for "Clara" to meet them. - -Once more our heroes entered the abode of Kruger, ushered this time by a -back entrance under the guidance of the friendly footman Johann. - -They spent the night together and studied their plans. When Clarence -revealed his scheme they admitted that it might be done. If he could -capture Kruger, it would be a big feather in his cap. - -"Oom Paul is not the man to be taken by force alone," said Clarence. -"He is game enough to put a pistol to his own head rather than yield. -Now that Fred is here, my plan is that one of us shall offer to change -clothes with him when he is hemmed in, and take him unawares somehow. -We'll trust to chance for the how, when the time comes." - -Then it was all duly arranged, and they prepared themselves for the -morrow. - -It was a hot day in Pretoria, and the town was crammed with visitors. -Church Square was blocked with people, and every other street was filled -almost to suffocation. - -At the hour appointed the president and his wife drove up, surrounded by -a close line of guards. He took his place on the platform that had been -raised above the crowd outside the Government buildings. He was greeted -by thunders of applause and a salvo from the forts; then, as he rose, -breathless silence succeeded the noise. - -He began by reading over the resolutions and decrees of the Volksraad -with respect to the Uitlanders. The reforms were granted even more -completely than the Uitlanders had hoped. There were clauses, however, -to each of these generous concessions which, to those who knew what the -termination would be, crippled and nullified the most important. But -the general audience was not in a critical mood. It roared itself -hoarse with wild applause. - -While this shouting was going on, the burly president stood grinning -upon the crowd like an amiable gorilla. Then, when silence was once -more restored, his expression suddenly altered. His cheeks became -puffed, and his eyes sunk back beneath his heavy brows, while his big -ears stood out. Then with a thunderous growl, like an angry beast, he -read the declaration of independence first, and the defiance to England, -and finished his oration in his harshest accent. - -"To your tents, and consider whether you will be with us or against us -in this holy struggle for independence. My ultimatum is already on its -way to this verdomde government, that would deprive us of our rights. -In twenty hours from this, every subject of England will be our enemy, -be imprisoned, and shot if we think fit, or expelled from our country -and their property confiscated. To your tents and consider, for your -fate is in your own hands." - -These words the grim president thundered out to the dismayed Uitlanders; -then he turned abruptly and left the scene as he had come, protected by -his armed guard. - -For a moment stupefaction held the crowd silent, then a deep growl went -up from the masses who were being dispersed by the Zarps. - -At this instant Ned Romer felt a touch on his arm, and, looking round, -he saw Philip Martin at his side. - -"This ultimatum has changed our plans," he whispered, as he drew the -three friends out of the crowd. "The English Government will now decide -the question, and we must do nothing inside the Transvaal to disturb -their plans. Our orders are now to clear out before this ultimatum -expires, and give Oom Paul no excuse for his next step." - -Philip Martin was gloomy, and the faces of our heroes also fell -considerably. - -"And are we to do nothing, Philip, after all our preparations?" asked -Ned, in a disappointed tone. - -"Nothing inside the Transvaal. Our work will be outside, and there will -be lots to do there, you take my word. We must follow the example of -the Jews, and skedaddle if we can, before the lines are closed. -Johannesburg must be left for the present, until we can come back with -the British army. Tomorrow Natal and Cape Colony will be invaded, and -then England can no longer hold back. I am off to join Baden-Powell, at -Mafeking. Dr Jim has gone to Ladysmith, and you three fellows are to -proceed to Kimberley, where you will find Mr Cecil Rhodes. It is a bit -disappointing, I will allow; but this is going to be a bigger and a more -complete affair than we could have accomplished, therefore we must be -content to leave it to the proper hands to clear the board." - -Philip Martin shook hands with them, and walked quickly away to warn -others of his own party, while our heroes prepared for their exodus. - -CHAPTER THIRTY SIX. - -THE RELIEF OF KIMBERLEY. - -This most inhuman and bloody-minded Kruger, who misquoted Scripture, as -he so often did, considered himself safe to order his victims to their -empty tents. He had stripped them, as he fondly thought, of all means -of protecting their wives and children. As he imagined, they had only -their naked fists to support their manhood against his armed hordes; -therefore he could be as bold as a bushranger who has bailed up a -household. He had them, or, as he impiously remarked, "The Lord of the -Boer hosts has put them into our hands, even as He gave the Amalekites -up to the vengeance of Israel." - -To those who were not in the "know," the Jew dealers and other aliens, -who had no patriotic interest in the land, this ultimatum fell like the -first ashes of Vesuvius upon Pompeii. It was definite, clear, and -curtailed. They had either to join in and fight with the Boers, or else -be treated with those who stood for English authority. - -There was no equivocation, or holding aloof. Johannesburg, with its -riches, must be abandoned, and at once, i.e. within the next twenty -hours at latest. Those who remained in that city would be forced to -take up arms by the Boers, when the time of grace was over. They were -driven like sheep into the pen, where they were to be slaughtered if -they did not declare themselves enemies of England, and "bind" -themselves to the masters of this Boer rebellion. - -Poor, miserable, and terror-stricken wretches--these gold and diamond -traffickers, who had come here only to make money, and who were without -a single molecule of courage in their composition,--they were placed -between two fires, and knew not where to turn for safety. They were -likely to be shot or hanged whatever side they decided to take. - -They drove home in their flash traps, or in the saloon cars, with -bloodless, flabby lips and staring eyes. Inside their swell houses they -collapsed, and found the champagne and brandy of no more aid to them -than coloured water. - -Their wives, however,--the painted, illiterate, dyed-haired, and -outrageously dressed and be-diamonded ex-shop girls, ex-barmaids, and -ex-variety actresses,--were not going to let the twenty hours pass -before making up their minds what to do. The Boers were at their doors, -and at present bosses of the show. Like Simon, Lord Lovat, they -believed in serving the customer who was in possession. - -By six o'clock that night thousands of these mercenaries had signed the -papers of allegiance to the Republic, and left Johannesburg in -detachments, escorted by their masters, while their women were driven -out of the country to become paupers at Durban and Cape Town. - -After a frightful and never-to-be-forgotten train journey, our disguised -heroes at last found themselves on British soil, with hearts burning -with rage and hatred at the vile treatment they had received in the -trains. - -The rush for trains by that panic-thralled crowd of refugees resembled a -stampede of wild cattle. Delicate women and children struggled -frantically for places with rough, strong men, and were glad to find -themselves packed in open trucks. Order was at an end, and gallantry -rarely displayed by that pushing, shouting, and sweltering crowd, while -the Boer officials only mocked at their despair. - -By reason of their personal strength, however, and taking advantage of -their disguises, our heroes managed to secure good places for -themselves; and also to protect a number of ladies, who would otherwise -have fared badly. During the journey, also, the burghers had reason to -regret insulting and trying to frighten these three strapping young -females. - -When they reached Cape Colony they learned much more than they had been -aware of before. - -Paul Kruger and his burghers were in a better condition for warfare than -had been suspected. The loyal colonists had also been trifled with and -hoodwinked by the Honourable Mr Schreiner and his traitor gang. In -fact, the British forces were so scanty and ill-provided, while on the -enemy's side were so many spies and rebels, that the young men no longer -wondered at the courage of the Transvaal chief. - -Already war had been declared, and Cape Colony and Natal invaded in -force. If the rebels had only proper leaders, the English possessions -were in extreme danger. - -England also seemed bristling with renegades and pro-Boers, whose -yelpings disturbed the loyal colonists greatly. - -But the lion was rousing up for action, and the nation shouted out for -punishment to be meted out to those insolent rebels. From every part of -our mighty Empire came the offer of help to the mother country. The -Boers, by their invasions, had united Englishmen as one people. When -our heroes heard this news, they saw the wisdom of letting the Federals -have the first blow. - -They were now going to join the man they adored, and take a hand in the -great coming struggle. - -It was November 3rd before our heroes managed to pass the rebel lines -and get into Kimberley. Here they found the town in a state of siege, -but well prepared. Cecil Rhodes was calm and cheerful, with no doubts -as to the results of the war. - -He welcomed the adventurers warmly, and heard the account of their -travels with pleasure. The news they brought him also from the outside -gave him great satisfaction. - -"There is nothing else to be done now but to make ourselves as -comfortable as possible here, and defend ourselves until we are -relieved. We shall all have enough work to keep us from being dull." - -He was right, as our heroes found as the weeks rolled past. General -Cronje and his army kept them in a constant state of attention and -excitement. - -Thanks to the personal magnetism of Cecil Rhodes, with his unfailing -serenity and constant exertions to amuse the besieged townspeople, the -first two months, although nerve-trying, were not unpleasant from a -social point of view. - -Balls, concerts, and parties filled up the intervals of bombarding and -repelling the enemy. The town had been well provisioned, and the great -empire maker had taken previous precautions to outwit his rival, W.P. -Schreiner, as far as could be done. Had the loyal colonists trusted -implicitly in the Cape Premier, Kimberley, as well as Mafeking, must -have succumbed in a month. This Bond leader had played his cards well -to serve his friends the Boers at the expense of his fellow-subjects; -but Cecil Rhodes, like Baden-Powell, found himself equal to the -occasion. - -Inadequately garrisoned as it was and imperfectly armed, the mines which -they were protecting proved of invaluable service to them. From the -debris they formed perfect forts and trenches, and soon made the place -impregnable. They had a splendid mayor, a commander of infinite -resources, and a garrison of undaunted heroes. The result was that they -kept Cronje with his hosts and Long Toms at bay, and went on eating, -drinking, fighting, and enjoying themselves in spite of the deadly -dangers that environed them. Yet it was nerve-trying, and added grey -hairs to every head in that beleaguered town, young and old. Out of -bravado they might speak of those bursting shells and those numerous -attacks as subjects for joking, but all the same, the sport was grim and -heart-corroding. - -Every hour had its casualties, with wounded and killed. No one knew the -moment their own hour might come. - -As time went on and they became more isolated from the world, it took a -lot of pluck to keep a bold front to the relentless, treacherous, and -dastardly foe. If they had not occasionally received news of the -outside world by special runners, they must have lost heart long before -their provisions became short. - -But they did get reliable news now and again, and that kept them up to -concert pitch. The brave fellows knew that the world was watching their -heroic efforts, and that the Empire had risen and was pouring out its -best sons to help and rescue them. They heard what Canada, Australia, -and New Zealand were doing. They knew that the home Government was now -working with might and main to repair its former errors of undue trust -and confidence. They would not be deserted, nor would England neglect -her duty now. The iniquitous and false Boer would be crushed, even -although it cost England her best and bravest. This braced them up and -enabled them to endure all that they were called to endure. - -They knew that the enemies of England--those wretched traitors, -traducers, and fratricides--were repudiated by their countrymen as -obnoxious vermin. They knew that the gold which Kruger and his hireling -Leyds had scattered broadcast, had failed to influence the people. The -people of England were not to be biased by paid demagogues. They -demanded that right should be done, and the Government obeyed the -universal voice. The defenders of Kimberley were holding this post for -the Empire, and they did so bravely, now that the Empire appreciated -their efforts. While a man was left, and an ounce of food remained, -Cronje might bark his loudest, they would never cave in. - -This was the kind of spirit which moved the whole camp. When food began -to fall short and they had to buckle their belts tighter round their -waists, they did so with a jest, for they knew that the end must be -victory. - -They heard the news about Ladysmith, and all about the British -disasters. But they also heard that, instead of sixty thousand men -being sent out to help them, England was packing off two hundred -thousand of her best soldiers, and ready to send at the back of that six -or eight hundred thousand, if wanted, to clear the board. That -assurance braced them up. The Lion and his cubs were in earnest now, -and the inflated rebels were doomed. The Boer had thrown off the mask -too completely ever to be trusted with a rifle again. He must be -disarmed and kept so until he was civilised. The master villains, Paul -Kruger and his weak-minded catspaw, Steyn, would be arraigned for their -crimes against civilisation and quashed. This Cronje, the vile and -brutal murderer, would yet be tried for his atrocities, and punished as -he deserved. Schreiner and his brother traitors would have to give -account of their stewardship and be properly rewarded, and the land -would be free for honest colonists to cultivate. - -Not a man in this beleaguered garrison but rested assured that those -Irish Nationalists, those paid Boer agents and home-bred renegades, as -well as the treacherous Cape Afrikanders, would yet get the just reward -of their atrocious treason; and this braced them up to endure half and -quarter rations, and to stand to their guns while famine, fever, and -shells thinned their ranks day after day. They trusted in their country -to do her duty when the hour of retribution arrived, and to punish those -dastards who used explosive bullets, fired on hospitals and the women's -quarters; who used the sacred white flag for murder, wantonly -slaughtered the wounded and their benefactors in spite of the red cross -flag; who ravenously destroyed and looted farms, and did in a hundred -ways what savages would have been ashamed of. They trusted that all -these dastardly actions would be sifted and punished, in individuals as -well as in masses, therefore they kept up their spirits and held to -their posts without a thought of surrender. Let England remember the -lacerations and wounds of her brave and dauntless sons when the hour -comes for dealing with this most unworthy and despicable foe. - -They have fought well, but so do many of the most atrocious murderers, -pirates, and bushrangers, when driven into a corner, yet all the same -the pirates are hanged when caught. A rat, a snake, or a scorpion will -also face up under such circumstances, yet these vermin are crushed all -the same. Desperation and brute viciousness is not heroism, any more -than tolerated treason is a token of nobility. - -Ned Romer and his comrades did their part like brave men during this -prolonged siege. It was a magnificent education to them as sons of the -Empire. - -Fortunately they escaped so far woundless, and also kept off the -sick-list; yet during those four and a half months they had plenty to -do, and, like the rest of the defenders, had little time to rest. - -And while they were holding their own they heard how gallant -Baden-Powell was guarding little Mafeking, and how Sir George White was -keeping the enemy at arm's length in Ladysmith. Never a thought of -surrender troubled any soul at either of those places. All the world -was watching them, and they meant to come out right. - -It did not trouble them too much that Sir Redvers Buller was stopped on -the Tugela, or Lord Methuen at the Modder River. They knew what men and -cavalry these generals had at their command, and how impossible the task -was, before proper reinforcements came, so they were content to wait and -trust. - -Then came the glorious news that Lords Roberts and Kitchener were on -their way with all the men and armament required. - -"Now for the clearing of the board!" cried Cecil Rhodes, exultantly. -"We shall soon be on full rations again." - -Many thought the news too good to be true, but their fears were -groundless. In a few weeks more the bombardment suddenly ceased. On a -happy day General French rode in, after a message, "French coming to -relief of Kimberley," and their woes were over. - -Cronje was in full flight, and the first decisive blow had been struck -at the rebels. Then there was rejoicing in Kimberley, and our heroes -were at liberty to follow the rest of the war. - -CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN. - -CLEARING THE BOARD. - -After their long confinement in Kimberley, our heroes were rejoiced to -get the chance of a gallop over the veldt with the hunters of Cronje and -his flying army. They therefore joined General French, who with his -cavalry hastened from Kimberley to cut off one line of retreat. On -Sunday, February 18th, the Boers were brought to bay at Klip Drift, and -a most desperate rearguard action was fought and won. Outflanked and -surrounded on all sides, General Cronje took his last stand in the bed -of the river, and prepared himself for his fate. - -How many men he had on that Sunday will probably never be known, yet ten -thousand was the estimated number. When he at last surrendered, only -four thousand men were left to lay down their arms. - -It was a terrific massacre, which lasted for ten days, as Cronje, with -the desperation of a doomed pirate, sullenly refused to give in even -after hope was extinguished, preferring to see his men and women -slaughtered like rats in a trap, rather than own that he was conquered. - -Doubtless his past atrocities and treacheries made him consider himself -a doomed man if taken alive by the people whom he had hated so -malignantly and treated so mercilessly. After the first few days, when -he saw division after division come up and occupy the surrounding kopjes -in grim and overwhelming numbers, this must have made him abandon hope -of any outside aid. He was trapped, and in a position that was -impossible to hold for long. As the guns poured their deadly fire over -his laager, blowing up his ammunition carts and provision waggons, and -destroying both men and cattle wholesale, he must have felt that just -retribution had at last overtaken his blood-stained soul. Thinking -possibly that, if taken, the only fate he could expect was the rope, he -settled down sullenly to die at his post. With his customary callous -indifference to the fate of others, he allowed no thought of his -countrymen and their wives to influence him now. As he had ever been, -he remained in this last tragedy the incarnation of ferocious obstinacy. -He was Piet Cronje, the master criminal of the Transvaal. - -It was not a pleasant task for the British or their leaders to continue -this pitiless, yet necessary slaughter. During these ten days Cronje -was given repeated chances to surrender, but he sullenly refused, even -when he knew that the Boers had been driven off on all sides, who had -come to break the environment of death. Trapped on the banks of that -river in which they had burrowed like rabbits, he still continued -fighting desperately, with the alternatives of death from lyddite, death -from starvation, or death from drowning when the river became flooded. - -This insensate and wasteful courage, while it filled the world with -horror, yet won a certain admiration also. Had he and his men been only -there, he might have been admired as a hero. But when he sacrificed -women and children as well, it was utterly revolting. The heroes of -Ladysmith, Mafeking, and Kimberley took every precaution to protect -their women, but Cronje could not where he was placed. Therefore, as a -brave man, he ought to have yielded. To hold out as he did was the act -of a savage monster, not a man. While his character must for ever make -him an object of loathing, as we loathe the memory of those -black-hearted ruffians of the Spanish Main, his stubborn courage during -those ten hellish days can only merit qualified respect. - -It was like the last stand of Dan Morgan, the bloody Australian -bushranger, and Morgan was as game as Cronje, with fewer crimes on his -conscience. - -While the artillery filled the sky with hurtling death, the captive -balloon floated above and indicated the targets. It is not surprising -if six thousand Boers perished during those ten days. The wonder is -that four thousand escaped death. It also speaks significantly for -Cronje's discretion, that, when he surrendered, he was unwounded. - -Our heroes saw a good deal of action during this time, as they were with -those who had the duty to keep back the relieving forces. But they were -trained soldiers now, and the constant movement and fighting made them -happy. Meantime Lords Roberts and Kitchener watched keenly the progress -of the siege, and let no chance escape for bringing it to a close with -the least possible loss to their soldiers. Day after day the cordon -drew closer round that death-trap, until the Imperialists were almost -within speaking distance of the rebels. - -At last the Canadians brought their trenches to within four hundred -yards of the enemy; then the Boers would fight no longer. The thought -of the next stage, cold steel, cowed them completely. Thus the sullen -Cronje submitted, and placed himself and his followers at the discretion -of his chivalrous conquerors. The shame of England, and the everlasting -disgrace of those who placed this stain on our flag, was avenged. On -the anniversary of Majuba Hill, February 27th, its blot was wiped out. - -In his gracious reception of Cronje, Lord Roberts proved to posterity -how impossible it is for a Briton to cherish revenge for private wrongs. -He had lost his son at Colenso. His heart must have been bleeding for -that loss, yet this gave no tinge of bitterness to his kindly and -flattering welcome to his captive. He granted freely all that Cronje -asked, and treated him with the same consideration that an honourable -enemy might have expected. This is one of the greatest acts in a life -covered with glory. - -Now began the triumphant march to Bloemfontein, with the joyful tidings -of the relief of Ladysmith. In every direction victory favoured our -British armies. The Boers fled panic-stricken before them. Their day -was over, and it was all in vain that the ogre of Pretoria, Oom Paul -Kruger, hurried to the front, with his accomplice Steyn. They could not -stop the run. - -Oom Paul shed tears, for he was an adept at this kind of thing. He -threatened to throw up his post as president, if they did not show -fight. But as even, to the most ignorant of his burghers, that post was -already over, this threat was poured into deaf ears. The Lord of -battles had been appealed to, and He had decided with justice and -humanity against murder and oppression. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -Two of our heroes, however, were fated to stop their battle career -outside of Bloemfontein. Ned Romer and his friend Clarence Raybold each -received wounds in the same charge as they approached the town, and were -carried to the rear. Fortunately the bullets were neither explosive nor -coated with verdigris, so that no amputation was necessary. - -But the wounds were serious enough to incapacitate them from further -fighting that campaign. The young men were therefore taken down to Cape -Town, leaving Fred Weldon to represent them on the triumphant march to -Pretoria. It was a sorrowful parting between the three heroes, but -neither anticipated it would be long before they were together again. - -"We can only pray that you may be in at the wind-up of our old enemy, -Oom Paul, Fred," they said on parting. "Also that you may escape any of -these Mauser button-holes in your carcase, that we have to carry with -us." - -"Cheer up, boys," cried Fred. "I guess you'll both be up again at the -front before we reach Pretoria. I want you to help me to capture -Paulus--that is our ambition, you know." - -Bloemfontein had been taken two days before they were permitted to leave -with the other wounded, and the doctor assured the two invalids that, if -they took care, they would be ready for the saddle again in a week or -two. Ned had a puncture through his sword-arm, and Clarence was wounded -in the thigh, but the wounds were clean, and already showed signs of -mending. - -Among the wounded who were brought in before they left were several -Boers, who had been abandoned by their countrymen. In one of these Fred -recognised Stephanus Groblaar. He had died a couple of hours after his -admittance to the hospital. When this news was communicated to Ned, he -murmured-- - -"I am glad he did not owe his death to me. It is better to miss than to -accomplish a private revenge. `Bobs' has set us all a splendid example -in forbearance." - -"Yes; that noble action of Lord Roberts represents the feelings of the -British army from commander to private. To think only of one's duty to -the Empire, to fight only for right, to subdue all private feelings and -sink animosity,--this is the code of honour of all true empire makers." - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -Necessarily our story cannot end at present, since our three heroes have -been so busy seeking after adventure that they have not yet had time to -fall in love, and no story can be quite complete without a wedding. - -Therefore, while two of our heroes are recovering from their wounds, and -the other is riding under the orders of the gallant General French, we -may safely prognosticate the future of the rotten Transvaal Republic -with that of its foolish victim, the Orange Free States. - -Universal law and order for South Africa, with equal rights for Boer and -Briton under the Flag that means equality and freedom for every human -being, white-skinned or black. Blue for truth, red for love, and white -for purity,--these are the signs of the Union Jack, and the combination -means freedom, equality, and fraternity, while Justice holds it in her -grasp. Where it waves, oppression and slavery cease to exist. - -As for the rebels and traitors. Forgiveness towards the misguided, -after they have paid their fines for their sins. To the traitors, -punishment and contempt. To the hoary sinner, who has led these two -nations astray and destroyed them, the same punishment which he meted -out to the reformers--imprisonment; until he has disgorged his -ill-gotten and secreted wealth. After that, watchful surveillance, such -as ticket-of-leave convicts are placed under, so that during the scanty -remnant of his blood-grimed life he may do no further harm to humanity. -He has been the plague-spot of Africa. Let him be placed where he may -propitiate his Maker, if he can. Years after this the Boers, as they -become educated and civilised, will marvel at their stupendous folly, -and curse the hated name of Kruger; therefore, like Attila and other -historic monsters, his memory is not an enviable one. No human -punishment can meet his case. He must be left to God. - -Our heroes have won riches, therefore it is not impossible that they may -also obtain happiness. - -The End. - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Empire Makers, by Hume Nesbit - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EMPIRE MAKERS *** - -***** This file should be named 40838-8.txt or 40838-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/0/8/3/40838/ - -Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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