But it was terrible work, for they would not come readily, because the bandoliers were hanging to them, and as I pulled I fully expected that something would catch and discharge one of the pieces, to alarm the whole laager for certain, even if it did not kill me.

But by lifting and easing and turning the rifles over I at last got the two pieces nearly out, when they suddenly seemed to be held fast, and I stood there gradually getting drenched with perspiration." "Why, the edge of the tilt must have caught them!" said Ingleborough excitedly.
"Yes, that's what I found to be the case, and by turning them over again they came free, and I was standing by the wheel with what we wanted." "Hah!" sighed Ingleborough.
"But even then I had a chill, for the snoring ceased and the sleeper began to mutter, taking all the strength out of me, till I felt that even if he or they beneath the wagon should rouse up I could escape through the darkness if I was quick." "So you slung the rifles and bandoliers over your shoulders, went down on your hands and knees, and crept back ?" "No, I did not.

I felt that there was not time, and that I had better trust to the darkness to escape, so I just shouldered the pieces and stepped out boldly walking across the broad path of light." "Good; but you should have struck off to your right, so as to get where it would be more feeble." "I thought of that," said West quickly; "but I dared not, for fear of missing our wagon.

So I walked boldly on, and almost ran against a Boer." "Tut-tut-tut! Did he stop you ?" "No: he just said: `Mind where you are coming!' and passed on." "Well ?" said Ingleborough.
"That's all.

I marched along to the wagon here and stood the rifles up before venturing to get in, for I fancied that you were talking in your sleep and would bring the sentry upon us.