Part 28 (1/2)
One is, that both the Transvaal and the Orange Free State are practically deserted; and the second, that such aprisoner to cut into Natal, where the Boers are so strongly posted, would never cross their hers are slim, very slim, but recklessness is a vice they cannot understand
Their motto is to take due care of theest position would mean as much as suicide to them If Komati Poort and the eastern coast are too carefully watched I think we ought to try to reach Natal and get into Ladysmith The Boers have failed to take the camp, and from what the doctor here has told me are likely to be kept outside for an indefinite period”
”But we could never hope to get through as we are,” cried Guy
”Re way from here, and we should certainly be seen by someone”
”Yes, that is probable,” answered Jack calhtfully at his pipe, ”but we must brazen it out There are lots of scoundrels, felloho got into hot water at holishmen, who have taken up arms for the Boers You have told me so yourself, and that, dressed as we are, we should pass for them
Very well, that is e lish wounded It will be sih, and all we shall ill be rifles We et hold of two Mausers and bandoliers I suppose we shall have to steal them, but then, all is fair in war, and when you come to think of it, all the weapons the Boers possess have been paid for by Uitlander gold”
”By Jove, Jack, I believe you are right!” exclaimed Guy enthusiastically ”The bolder we are, the h I think, however, that we ought first of all to make the attempt towards the east If that fails, we can try the south But how about those rifles?”
”Oh, we et them somehow, Guy!” answered Jack fir in the direction of the governuard of six men, and they live in the little shed close by I know souard every day I have been here
If you look closely you will see that the four men off duty place their rifles in the rack outside the house, and sling their bandoliers over the et possession of a couple of thereed Guy dubiously, ”but how?”
”Well; break one of the s of Government House, for instance Hoould that do?” asked Jack ”After all, we only want to call the sentries' attention away froht not to be e theand the other walk off with the rifles But it is a kind ofwe must think of is food Our rations here are none too plentiful, and I fancy that provisions are scarce in every part of the Transvaal But we have put by so for a time”
”Well, then, the sooner we make the atteht?”
”To-night will do as well as any, Guy, and ill slip through thisas soon as it gets dark”
A fewover the plans for their escape that night, the Boer doctor entered the hospital and walked up to the his hand on Jack's shoulder, ”I am sorry to say that from to-day you and I must part company You are now sufficiently well to leave this hospital and her who has just arrived from Natal in a serious condition, and your cos you have ready
There is a cart outside to convey you to a farht you should be sent to the race-course, where all the English prisoners are confined, but I et the authorities to let me keep you here, and afterwards to send you to the farain till this terrible war is over, but then, whoever wins the day, if you come back here ask for me and I will hand over to you the skin of that lion you helped to slay”
Jack was dis froed to stutter out his thanks to the doctor, who had been exceedingly kind and attentive to him
”I can never thank you sufficiently, Dr Otto,” he said warmly, ”and if I ever return to Pretoria I will certainly look you up and clailad to possess”
”Very well, then,fellow,” answered the Boer doctor ”We will consider the matter as settled Ah, hoish this conflict was over! My heart is not in it Peace and equality for all is a maxim I have always considered best for this country But I aain some day”
Jack shook hands with his
”Don't be down-hearted, Guy,” he exclaimed cheerfully ”This separation is a nuisance, but we are not going to give up our plans Expect ently at thisand wait underneath it for you If I fail to get away froht, I will find out where you are in the course of a few days, and then you can expect me
Good-bye, old chap, and keep up your pecker! We are going to get out of this cage, and together, too!”
”That ill, Jack,” Guy answered brightly ”Be sure I shall be ready when you co for et away as best I can and et out of Pretoria, and you are coo at all!” exclaimed Jack stubbornly, and with ht It will not behands with one another, the two young fellows parted, still firm in their intention to escape if possible from Pretoria, but now far more doubtful of success
A few minutes later Jack was seated in a four-wheeled cart, and was driven through the streets towards the outskirts of the town As they passed the railway-station a train from Natal had just arrived, and the Boer driver pulled up his horse and chatted with a co near