"'Not I,' she answered. 'I have brought it all this way, and I will not leave it now.'
"He answered with a short laugh, and they commenced to move upward. But by now the fire had hold of the thorn-trees all about, and their path was as light as day. It was too dangerous to attempt to climb to the ridge, and after walking for a while they were compelled to find the cover of a rock and remain still. Anna sat on the ground, very tired and content, and her husband peered out and watched what was to be seen.
"'We have beaten them,' he said. 'I can see a lot of them running back. Pray God none come this way. I wish I had not left my rifle.'
"'Yes,' said Anna, 'you left your rifle, and came unarmed to help me.'
"'It would have been awkward among the bushes,' he explained, and was suddenly silent, looking out over the top of the rock.
"'What is it?' asked Anna. He gave no answer, so she rose and went to his side and looked too, with her arms on his shoulder.
"The rip-rip of the Burghers' rifles sounded yet, but there was now another sound. The bushes creaked and the stones rocked with men returning down the hill. Not two hundred paces away they were to be seen—many scores of Kafirs dodging down-hill, taking what cover they could, pausing and checking at each rock and mound that gave shelter from the bullets.
"Anna felt her husband quiver as he saw the crowd swooping upon him.
"'Take this,' she said, and pressed the little revolver into his hand. 'It would be well not to be taken. But kiss me first.'
"He looked from the retreating and nearing Kafirs to her, with a face knotted in perplexity.