We have pickets all round.

You is safe now; you can ride on into Salisbury witout fear of de Matabele." I rode on, relieved.

Mechanically, my feet worked to and fro on the pedals.

It was a gentle down-gradient now towards the town.

I had no further need for special exertion.
Suddenly, Hilda's voice came wafted to me, as through a mist.