“Well, he knows from good information the state of the country, and we do not. It would be better for your despatch never to be delivered than for it to fall into the enemy’s hands.”
“Of course!”
“Then why not take matters as you find them? Are we not going to take news for our General over yonder, and reinforcements as well?”
“Yes, I hope so,” replied West; “but one does not like when one’s plans are made to have them interfered with.”
“Of course not,” said Ingleborough, laughing; “but we started with fixed plans from Kimberley, and we’ve been interfered with and baffled ever since.”
“But we did get the despatch to Mafeking!”
“Yes, even when it seemed quite hopeless; and we’re going to get the answer back to Kimberley yet.”
“I hope so,” said West gloomily.
“Bah! What a grumbler you are, Noll! Nothing seems to satisfy you! Haven’t we turned the tables completely upon that fat pink innocent?”
West nodded his head.