The new-comer proved to be Pat, and the worthy Irishman seemed to be somewhat flurried.
"I've come as ye tould me, sorr," said Pat, as the two friends came up.
"Any news?" inquired Jack.
"The best av news, sorr," answered Pat. "It would take more than half a dozen commandos to take the Kopje Farm now."
"What do you mean, Pat? I don't quite understand."
"I mane that a rigimint av English Lancers is now at the farmstead, and some av the Rangers are expected soon. There has been a big fight close to Springbokfontein, and the Boers have been badly licked by our men, and the burgher they call Uys has been captured wid all his baggage. You are going home now, sorr, I suppose?"
"That is so, Pat," answered Jack; and we may rest assured that the distance between the summit of the kopje and the farm was covered in record time.
Pat's information proved correct; for three squadrons of British Lancers were temporarily resting at Mr. Lovat's ostrich farm.
Jack was greatly impressed by the appearance of the Lancers. Most of the soldiers were young men, but all looked fit and hardy. Theirs had been a rough life for many months, trekking up and down the colony in search of rebel bands.
Major Lambton, who commanded the Lancers, proved an affable gentleman, and received Jack with the greatest courtesy. Sergeant Morton half expected a wigging for being absent from his post, but escaped the infliction.