In fact, two fresh parties, for which there was plenty of room, joined them, and a good deal of business went on: men going out on expeditions and returning: wagons laden with provisions and ammunition and two big field-pieces arriving, as if the force was being increased ready for some important venture--all of which busy preparation took place under the eyes of the two prisoners, who, while being fairly well treated in the way of rations, were carefully guarded.
"One would like to know a little more what it all means!" said Ingleborough.

"As it is, one seems to be quite in the dark!" "And we're doing nothing!" sighed West.

"Oh, it's terrible! I must begin to stir, even if it is only to bring about another check." "What would be the good of that ?" "Ease to one's brain!" said West passionately.

"Here have I been trusted with this mission and am doing nothing, while all the time the poor fellows at Mafeking must be watching despairingly for the despatch that does not come." "Look here, old lad," said Ingleborough sympathetically; "when a fellow's chained down hand and foot it's of no use for him to kick and strain; he only makes his wrists and ankles sore and weakens himself, so don't do it! Believe me, the proper time to act is when they take you out of your chains! It's very depressing, I know; but what can't be cured--" "Must be endured.

I know, Ingle; but here we are prisoners, and I can't help getting more hopeless." "But you must! Things can't go on like this much longer! Either our troops will come here and attack the Boers, or the Boers will go and attack the British.