The Boers are gradually closing in, I am told.

But I'll keep an eye on Mr Anson here all the same." Five minutes later the party were on their way back to the mine buildings, where the first thing that West heard was that the Boers were gathering in great force, and, as far as could be judged, were making the Diamond City their objective.
Troubles were gathering fast, and news kept on coming hotter and hotter.
West and Ingleborough were back in their places at the office, talking over the war news and mingling with it the scenes they had just gone through.
"Norton promised me he'd call in here when he left the governors," said Ingleborough.
"Then he must have forgotten it," replied West, "for he has been with them quite an hour.

I say, I didn't know that you were such a friend of the superintendent." "Well, I'm not in the habit of talking much," said Ingleborough, smiling.

"But I do like him; he's such a straightforward, manly fellow, and I take so much interest in the way he runs down criminals.

I often wish I had joined the detectives who have this diamond-smuggling in hand." "Pst! here he is!" said West quickly, for there were steps outside, and directly after a sharp rap at the door.
"May I come in, Ingleborough ?" "Yes.