The black coachman, however, did not lose his head, but pulled the wheelers round also, and we soon found ourselves again on the same bank from which we had started.

Had it not been for a kind trooper of the Imperial Light Horse, our chances of getting across would have been nil.

This friend in need mounted a loose horse, and succeeded in coaxing and dragging our recalcitrant leaders, and forcing them to face the rushing stream.

Once again our portmanteaus had a cold bath, but this time we made a successful crossing, and went gaily on our way.

The road was now much improved and the country exceedingly pretty.
Many snug little houses, sheltered by rows of cypress, tall eucalyptus and huge orange-trees laden with yellow fruit, their gardens intersected by running brooks, appeared on all sides; while in the distance rose a range of blue hills, at the foot of which we could perceive the roofs of Zeerust.
As the sun was almost sinking, clouds of dust arose on the road in front, denoting a large body of men or waggons moving.