I couldn't let him lie like that; so I pulled up, leaped down, and, shouting to Sandho to stand, dashed at the fallen and wounded horse's head, caught him by the bit, and dragged at him to make him rise.

The poor beast made a desperate effort, and got upon three legs; but sank back again with a piteous groan, for it had stepped into some burrow and snapped its off hind-leg right in two.

However, the horse's effort had saved its rider, who struggled to his feet, his face blackened with powder and bleeding, and passed his hand across his eyes.

To my astonishment I saw who it was, the long drooping moustache telling me in spite of his disfigured face.
"Well done!" he said hoarsely; "but I'm hurt, and you can't help me.
Mount and be off.

I'm done." I glanced behind me, and saw that the Boers were getting together again as if to come in pursuit, while a long line was coming up from the left at a steady trot, and bullets were whizzing by.