In a moment Ned was on the wall.
“Come on, Cocoeni.”
“Wait a bit, Baas.”
Cocoeni ran over to the sentry-box and snatched up the rifle, then he returned.
“Catch, Baas, and get down other side. I be with you presently.”
Ned saw him run back a few yards and then take a flying leap. Next instant the Kaffir was beside him on the ground, and they were free.
So far all had gone well. Their danger now lay in the open country, which spread as clear under the moonlight as if it had been day. As they got away from the tronk wall they could easily be seen and potted by any of the authorities who might be posted about.
However, this had to be risked, and the only course they could pursue at present was beside the main track.
They therefore set off as fast as they could run, keeping to the grass, and making for the kopjes, which were some distance away. Ned had a notion that they would not have far to go before they met their friends, if their escape had not been already observed.
Cocoeni kept alongside of our heroes, and carried both the rifle and pickaxe, which he had taken a fancy for since the gory deed it had been the instrument of. The rest scattered and kept on abreast over the valley.