One by one they crept out, Cocoeni bringing the pickaxe with him.
As they stood by the wall, Cocoeni whispered softly to Ned—
“Wait, Baas. I creep round and see if no one about.”
He crept off without a sound, while they watched and listened. In a moment more he was back.
“All safe that way, Baas. Now for the other side.”
They saw his dark figure glide along the whitewashed wall till he reached the end, then he disappeared round the corner.
He was longer gone this time, and when he returned, he was carrying a heavy load. As he reached them, he laid his burden gently down and stretched himself up.
“One Boer done for, Baas. Just caught him in time and brought him along,” he whispered. “You put on him clothes and take him gun, and it will be safe.”
“Is he dead?” asked Ned, horror-struck.
“Yes, Baas. Me make no mistake with pickaxe. Other fellow court him gal on the other side. Quick put on him coat and hat, and go over to the box. You see other fellow from there. If he still wait, hold up hand.”