So soon as the horses were ready she astonished John by clambering into the saddle of the older and steadier animal, placing her foot in the stirrup-strap and announcing that she was ready to start.
"You had better ride some other way," said John.

"It isn't usual, I know, but you will tumble off so." "You shall see," she said with a cold little laugh, putting the horse into a canter as she spoke.

John followed her on the other horse, and noticed with amazement that she sat as straight and steady on her slippery seat as though she were on a hunting saddle, keeping herself from falling by an instinctive balancing of the body which was very curious to notice.

When they were well on to the plain they halted to consider their route, and, turning, Jess pointed to the long lines of vultures descending to feast on their would-be murderers.

If they went down the river it would lead them to Standerton, and there they would be safe if they could slip into the town, which was garrisoned by English.
But then, as they had gathered from the conversation of their escort, Standerton was closely invested by the Boers, and to try and pass through their lines was more than they dared to do.