Then this troop retired past the other one in reserve, who had halted to take their turn, and another half-dozen well-aimed volleys went hurtling through the Boer ranks with such terrible effect upon horse and man that, upon the repetition of the evolution, the pursuit was checked, and the enemy began firing in turn.
We were in rapid motion again, so their shots had no effect; and a little more firing enabled us to reach and dash round the great walls to the entrance to the old fort, where our men sprang from their horses, which filed into safety of their own accord, while their riders put in practice the Boers' tactics, seeking the shelter of fallen stones and mounting the great walls, the steady fire from the ruins soon sufficing to send our enemies cantering back.
"Water for the horses at once," cried the Colonel as he entered the court, where I was standing examining poor Sandho.

"Ah, Moray!" he said as he saw me; "not hurt, I hope ?" "Only battered and bruised, sir," I said.

"Nothing serious." "Humph! I'm glad of it, boy.

You did splendidly.

But I'm a fool, am I ?" My words, uttered in the wild excitement of our adventure, had slipped but of my memory; and as he brought them back to my mind so suddenly, I stood staring at him as if thunder-struck.
"A nice way to address your commanding officer! Why, you insolent, mutinous young dog! you ought to be court-martialled.