"They are diamonds, Jack, sure enough, but not of the same quality as the stones I possess, or the one Kaffir Pete gave you. You see these have a yellow tint distributed unevenly throughout their substance. If the tint had been deeper and of a uniform nature throughout, the pebbles would represent a value of three thousand pounds at least. The majority of them are fractured, too. I should hand them back to the Boer. After you have done that, we'll make tracks for Diamond Valley. I don't suppose we shall meet with the same adventure as we did before. The place seems quiet enough now."
Jack acted on Sergeant Morton's suggestion, and offered to restore the stones to the Boer from whom they were taken; but the latter, to our hero's surprise, refused to accept them, saying, "Keep them; I can get more when I return to my own country. I thank you all the same for your kindness."
An hour later, after a consultation with his father and mother, Jack stood under the verandah of the farmhouse, waiting for Sergeant Morton, who was making an inspection of the sentries and guards. It was a beautiful day, and the sky was without a cloud. Brilliant sunshine flooded the scene, and down in the valley the heat hung quiveringly above the veldt.
Only a few hours had passed since a scene of bloodshed and violence was being enacted at the Kopje Farm. Now all is peaceful and still, while the silence is almost oppressive.
Leisurely Sergeant Morton sauntered up to where Jack was standing, and in his rear stalked Mr. Lovat's faithful henchman, Pat.
"All is serene, Jack," said the New Zealander, as he came up. "I don't think we shall see or hear anything of our fellows until evening. So come along. I've told Pat to be on the alert, and to bring us word instantly should any change in the situation take place."
"You understand, Pat," said Jack to the Irishman, who was standing at attention, "if any one turns up, you will at once come over the kopje to us. Here are my glasses, and be sure you keep a sharp look-out."
"All right, sorr," answered Pat; "I understand. But mind you, don't go and get captured again, sorr."
Jack laughed, and linking his arm within the New Zealander's, the two friends began climbing the kopje in the direction of Diamond Valley.
Both were well armed, Jack having a Lee-Enfield rifle, while Morton carried a Mauser, with the use of which he was well acquainted. The Mauser formed part of the spoil taken in the previous day's fight.