What we want now is another kopje--one which hasn't been turned into a trap." "There's what we want!" said West, half-an-hour later, as one of the many clumps of rock and trees loomed up in the fast lightening front.
"Yes," said Ingleborough sharply, "and there's what we don't want, far nearer to us than I like." "Where ?" asked West sharply.
"Straight behind us!" "Why, Ingle," cried West, in despair, "they've been following us all through the night!" "No," said Ingleborough, shading his eyes with his hand; "that's a different patrol, I feel sure, coming from another direction." "What shall we do ?" "Ride straight for that kopje; we're between it and the patrol, and perhaps they won't see us.

If they do we must gallop away." "But suppose this kopje proves to be occupied ?" said West.

"We don't want to be taken prisoners again." "That's the truest speech you've made for twenty-four hours, my lad," said Ingleborough coolly, "but, all the same, that seems to be the wisest thing to do." "Make for the kopje ?" "Yes, for we want water, shelter, and rest." "But if the Boers are there too ?" "Hang it, lad, there aren't enough of the brutes to occupy every kopje in the country; some of them must be left for poor fellows in such a mess as we are." "Ride on and chance it then ?" "To be sure!" was the reply; and they went on at a steady canter straight for the clump in front, a mile or so away, turning every now and then to watch the line of horsemen which seemed to be going at right angles to their track.

Just as they reached the outskirts of the eminence the leading files of the patrol bore off a little and the fugitives had the misery of seeing that the enemy they wished to avoid seemed to be aiming straight for the place they had intended for a refuge, while to have ridden out to right or left meant going full in sight of the patrol.
To make matters worse, the sun was beginning to light up the stony tops of the kopje, and in a very few minutes the lower portions would be glowing in the morning rays.
"Cheer up!" said Ingleborough; "it's a big one! Now then, dismount and lead horses! Here's cover enough to hide in now, and we may be able to get round to the other side without being seen." "And then ?" "Oh, we won't intrude our company upon the enemy; let's ride off as fast as we can.".