“So I am,” I said gravely, “It is very awful to face death like this.”
“Yes; but it would be more awful if we stood before the enemy trembling and ready to drop.”
I nodded now. Then catching up the tin in desperation, I raised it to my lips and held it there till it was half-empty. Setting the pannikin down, I took up the cake, broke a piece off, and began to eat. The animal faculties act independently of the mental, I suppose; so, as I sat there thinking of our home and our approaching fate, I went on eating slowly, without once glancing at my companion, till the big cake was finished; then I raised and drained the pannikin.
It was while I was swallowing the last mouthful or two that Denham spoke in a low tone. Looking in his direction, I noticed that he had also finished the rough breakfast.
“They’re watching us, Val,” he said softly.
I glanced round to back and front, and saw that the big Boer and four others were looking in, the sight making the blood flush to my face.
Directly after the big fellow climbed in, to stand by us with a grim smile.
“Have some more?” he asked.
“No, thank you,” I replied.
“Hungry—weren’t you?” was his next question.