“Then, by this time they are into British territory, for these fellows know their way about much better than either the Boers or we do. We shall have them up here in a few days. Now, I suppose, you are ready for your breakfast, and bed afterwards?”
Our heroes were ready for their beds at least, although they declined the offer of any more refreshments.
“Right you are.”
Cecil Rhodes pressed an electric knob at his side, and in another moment the Kaffir boy Pete appeared.
“Show these young gentlemen to their bedrooms, Pete, and afterwards go to your own lair. I shall not require you any more this morning.”
He nodded to our heroes as he resumed his seat at the table.
“We shall have a chat after you have rested. Don’t hurry up before noon. Breakfast will be sent up to your bedrooms. Now, Jim, old fellow, you can do without sleep, I know, and there are three hours’ hard work before us here to get over ere I can let you go.”
Dr Jim drew a chair up to the table, and prepared to listen to instructions.
“I guess it is no sinecure that post of Dr Jim’s,” said Ned to his chums as they left the little house and walked after Pete towards the big one.
“When does your master sleep, Pete?”