“I can, and that’s what the Boers are doing. They’re driving us into a trap, and that troop that has been racing us is fighting to get here first so as to cut us off when we find out our mistake and try to get away.”
“I say, are you talking foolishness or common-sense?” said Denham.
“Common-sense,” I replied; “the sort that nobody likes to believe.”
“If you are we’re galloping into a horrible mess; the Colonel ought to be told. Yes, I’m beginning to think you’re right. Ah! I can see the people there. They’re manning that tower in the middle; I can just make them out. Val, lad, your horse is faster than mine. You must try and drop out, or spin forward, or do something to get to the Colonel’s side and tell him what you can see.”
I made no reply, but rode on stride for stride with my companion; but I kept my eyes fixed upon the strange-looking rocks and edifices in front, and made no effort to change my position.
“Did you hear what I said?” cried Denham.
“Yes, I heard,” I replied. “But how is it to be done?”
“Don’t ask me how it’s to be done,” he said angrily; “do it.”
“There’s no need,” I said; “the enemy is scuttling off as fast as he can go.”
“Retreating?”