But there, it's pretty well time we started.

Come along." Within half an hour they were mounted and off on their perilous journey, passing outpost after outpost and having to make good use of their pass, till, just as it was getting dusk, they parted from an officer who rode out with them towards the Boers' encircling lines.
"There," he said, "you've got the enemy before you, and you'd better give me your pass." "Why ?" said West sharply.
"Because it has been a source of protection so far: the next time you are challenged it will be a danger." "Of course," said Ingleborough.

"Give it up, Oliver." "Or destroy it," said the officer carelessly: "either will do." "Thanks for the advice," said West, and they shook hands and parted, the officer riding back to join his men.
"You made him huffy by being suspicious," said Ingleborough.
"I'm sorry, but one can't help being suspicious of everything and everybody at a time like this.

What do you say about destroying the Commandant's pass ?" "I'm divided in my opinion." "So am I," said West.

"One moment I think it best: the next I am for keeping it in case we fall into the hands of some of our own party.