As my head grew clearer I brought him down to a walk, and directly after stopped him short.

I saw his ears twitching, and his head turned in the direction from whence came the heavy beat of hoofs.

This sound came closer and closer, and then swept past, as I sat with beating heart, mental distress being added to my bodily pain, for at any moment I knew Sandho might utter a neighing challenge to the passing horses; but he was silent, and they passed at a swinging gallop, the sound soon growing fainter.

I was beginning to breathe more freely when my agony was renewed; for the beating of hoofs was resumed, and I could tell that the little troop of Boers was divided into two, and the risk had again to be encountered.
I dared not whisper to Sandho for fear he should answer me in his own way and reach round his soft, velvety muzzle to touch my expected hand, now so painfully held back.

These seemed the worst, the most agonising, moments of my flight; and I felt sick with pain, too.