Glances full of meaning had passed between Jack and Morton, and the latter knew that his boy-friend would leave no stone unturned to assist him from his unenviable position.
After leaving the cave, the Boers rode straight on Rheni Kop, Piet Donnop being alongside our friend Jack.
"What brings you here, Lovat?" asked Piet in English, and speaking in a whisper. "Diamond Valley seems to have an attraction for you."
"And for you as well, I should say," retorted Jack.
"Looking after gold, or what?" queried Piet.
"I was not aware that gold is to be found in these parts," answered Jack. "What do you mean by roaming about the country, robbing and molesting peaceable inhabitants? Do you know anything about the five hundred sovereigns my father lost only yesterday?"
A flush spread over the Dutchman's swarthy face as he answered, "I have had none of Mr. Lovat's sovereigns."
"Then you know about the way my father has been treated?" Jack asked.
Piet evaded the question, and merely said, "I am sorry we came up with you to-day, Lovat. I, at least, bear you no ill-will; but I would strongly advise you to keep your tongue still and ask no ugly questions. It is unfortunate that we met you. Does your wound pain you?"
"Only a slight stiffness and soreness inconveniences me—that is all," answered Jack. "By the way, where are we bound for?"