Seeing the uneasy glances the drivers and forelopers directed at it from time to time, I felt convinced that if it had not been for this they would have played some trick with the bullocks, or have done something to stop the further progress of our prize-convoy, now that they fully understood what was wrong.
For me the suspense was over, though the plodding of the oxen still seemed maddening; but I had active work to do yet, with Joeboy for my aid, keeping the blacks well to their work.

This we did vigorously, being called upon very soon even to threaten and command.
Just when least expected, and following upon a determined charge made by our pursuers, there was a rattling volley delivered standing by our men, who, steadying their rifles upon their horses' backs, emptied many a saddle.

But the Boers came on till within about a hundred yards, when a second volley was poured into them, sending horses and men struggling to the ground.

The troop now divided in two, swinging round to right and left and dashing back towards the second party, who were now well in sight.
It was at the first volley that the alarmed black drivers nearly got out of hand, while the teams began to huddle together and threatened a stampede.

The black boys, however, soon saw they had more to fear from us than from the Boers; and by the time our friends had remounted and trotted up to us the wagon-train was steadied again.
"Can't you get any more speed out of them, Val ?" shouted Denham.
"No," I said; "this is the best they can do with the loads.