"Your long-delayed despatch will send a thrill of hope through all here in Kimberley, for it breathes nothing but determination to hold the Boers at bay." "May I say one word more, sir ?" said West excitedly.
"What do you think, doctor ?" "He has said enough, sir, and if he talks much more we shall have the fever back.

Well, perhaps he'll fret if he does not get something off his mind." "What is it, then ?" said the Commandant.
"I had a brave comrade to ride with the despatch, sir." "To be sure, yes, I remember.

What about him?
Not killed, I hope ?" "No, sir, but badly wounded, and lying somewhere here." "Poor fellow! I must see him.

There must be promotion for you both." "If you would see him, sir, and speak to him as you have spoken to me," said West, with the weak tears rising to his eyes.
"Of course, yes! There, shake hands, my lad: you have done splendidly! Don't worry about the diamond charge! I can feel that it was a contemptible lie! Now, doctor, take me to your other patient." "Ha!" sighed West, nestling back on his pillow with a calm look of content in his eyes, which closed directly after for a sleep that lasted ten hours at the least..