The mare was a gallant one, and full of mettle, for with long strides she rushed gamely forward, widening the gap between Jack and her late owner.
The ostrich farmer's son never drew rein until a couple of miles distant from the Boer laager, when he eased up, and after glancing round, dismounted—taking care to retain a firm grasp on the reins.
"Thank Heaven, I am free once more," said Jack to himself. "And now for the Kopje Farm!"
Several landmarks seemed familiar to him. One of the kopjes he remembered as being a spot much favoured by baboons, ugly grinning apes that lived in the caves with which the kopje abounded.
The Kopje Farm he knew lay some few miles to the south of the hill, so he moved forward towards a donga which skirted the right base of the kopje.
His attention was arrested by a sight which sent the blood rushing to his heart, causing a choking sensation that almost stifled him.
About a mile distant he discerned a troop of mounted men advancing in his direction.
"They are Boers!" ejaculated Jack aloud. "I've escaped from one fire only to fall into another."
He was in the middle of the donga when he first caught sight of the strangers who were advancing over the open veldt.
Jack watched the progress of the horsemen, who suddenly halted.