“There’s nothing like a bit of foresight,” said Ingleborough. “We must eat, and going in search of food may mean capture and the failure of our mission.”
The time was gliding rapidly on, the more quickly to West from the state of excitement he was in; but the only important thing he could afterwards remember was that twice over they ran against Anson, who seemed to be watching their actions, and the second time West drew his companion’s attention to the fact.
“Wants to see us off,” said Ingleborough. “I shouldn’t be surprised when we come back to find that he has eluded Norton and gone.”
“Where?” said West.
“Oh, he’ll feel that his chance here is completely gone, and he’ll make for the Cape and take passage for England.”
“If the Boers do not stop him.”
“Of course,” replied Ingleborough. “It’s my impression that he has smuggled a lot of diamonds, though we couldn’t bring it home to him.”
“I suppose it’s possible,” said West thoughtfully. “But isn’t it likely that he may make his way over to the enemy?”
Ingleborough looked at the speaker sharply.
“That’s not a bad idea of yours,” he said slowly; “but, if he does and he is afterwards caught, things might go very awkwardly for his lordship, and that flute of his will be for sale.”