“A fortnight ago? Why, that was the day when the reconnoitring party returned with the captured sheep and cattle. Yes, I remember now: they had a brush with the Boers up the river. Of course, yes: they were attracted by the firing, and saved two young Englishmen. You are one of them?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Well done, then! Our raiding party did good work, though they did have a desperate fight afterwards to get through the Boer lines. Getting better?”
“Yes, sir,” said West, with a sigh of relief: “now that I have got my despatch safely into your hands!”
“But what about your bad character?”
“It was a false accusation, sir!” cried West indignantly. “The man who denounced me was the criminal himself.”
“Well, you have done your duty so truly that I believe you in preference to him.”
“But I shall be able to fully clear myself, sir, soon, for this man is a prisoner now with the cavalry brigade. Has that come into the town yet, sir, with the prisoners, guns, and the convoy they captured?”
“Hah!” cried the Commandant: “this is news indeed! Has the brigade captured all you say?”
“Yes, sir,” said West, and he told all that had taken place up to the time of he and Ingleborough being cut off and chased by the Boers.