If not, it will be one of the streams running into it." "And we must keep on this side and follow it down." "Well, no," said Ingleborough, with a little laugh; "seeing that the Boers are after us, I think it will be safer to follow it down from the other side." "Very well! What shall we do--get down and wade ?" "I would rather keep dry," replied Ingleborough.

"Let's wait till the ponies have drunk sufficient, and then try if it is safe enough for them to walk across.

I think it will be, for you can hear how shallow it is!" "Yes," said West; "close in here; but what is it farther out ?" He stood up in his stirrups and followed the reflection of the stars for some distance.
"It's a big river, Ingle," he said, "and it would be madness to try and ford it in the dark." "Very well; let's get a good drink as soon as the ponies have had their share, and then follow the river down till we come upon a place where they can graze and we can rest." This plan was followed out, the ponies being hobbled at a spot where there seemed to be plenty of feed, while amongst the dense bushes and rugged stones which barred their way a snug resting-place was soon found, where, after cautiously making their way down to the river bank and allaying their thirst, the fugitives lay down to rest, listening to the sound of falling water not far away.

Then, in perfect forgetfulness of Boers, despatches, and all the dangers of their way, both dropped into the deep sleep produced by exertion--a sleep which lasted till the sun was once more beginning to flood the earth with light..