If you only knew what a weight you have taken off my mind! Besides, we are quite ruined; the Boers have looted all my husband's cattle and horses, and until last week six of them were quartered on me without paying a farthing, so it makes no odds to me." "Never mind, Mrs.Gooch," said John cheerfully, "the Government will compensate you when this business is over, no doubt." Mrs.Gooch shook her head prophetically.

"Never a halfpenny do I expect to see," she said.

"If only I can get my husband back, and we can escape out of this wicked place with our lives, I shall be thankful.

And look here, Captain Niel, I have put up a basketful of food--bread, meat, and hard-boiled eggs, with a bottle of three-star brandy.

It may be useful to you and the young lady before you reach home.