“Yes,” replied Ned; “that was our intention when we left England, but I don’t know how we can do it now.”
“It will be the very best thing you can possibly do, while the hue-and-cry is out for you. I think we shall be able to fix that for you at Salisbury. Meantime, as we are within three miles from Palla station, and it will not be dark for a couple more hours yet, we had better take a stretch here and breathe our horses.”
They dismounted, and while their horses were left to feed as best they could on the veldt, they flung themselves down to have a much-needed rest. Pipes were filled and lighted, then most of them lay on their backs and smoked enjoyably while they looked at the deep blue space overhead.
No one spoke, they were too tired for that; possibly each one had plenty to think about as they lay there.
They had accomplished their purpose and wiped out a few of the general enemy. They had also taken time by the forelock, and had not much fear of being stopped on the railway, no matter what telegraphic messages were sent on before them. Kruger had his spies in Rhodesia as he had elsewhere, but these agents were known, and could be kept back by those who were working this affair.
Dr Jim had the most to think about, for after Bulawayo was reached he had a long distance to ride before he could drop his disguise and feel safe. Our heroes also would run most risks.
But they had a fearless and keen-brained man to guide them and think for them; they felt they had not much to fear.
The sky was rapidly changing from deep orange to ruddy violet when Dr Jim roused himself, and said—
“I say, Lawson, you had better ride in advance, and get things ready for us. We’ll be after you in half an hour.”
One of the Boer-like men rose lazily and walked over to his horse; then mounting, he cantered easily off into the dusk.