Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-03-11

frontier hotel in South Africa-master
nnd mistress and guests of every degree
sitting down together.
/ observed Dinelli and Osierton in
conversation during the morning, and
this did not tend TO allsy my fears. So
l delayed proceeding onward for the
present, end continued my stay at
Bowick. until l had time to think the
matter out.
Toward midday I observed a mule
cart bowling along the road from the
direction of Pietermsritzburg On
reaching the hotei it pulled up close to
where was standing, and there stepped
out an officer in uniform, whom / recog-
nized as DIR. Mills, of the Army Medical
Department.
We had met frequently at head
quarters. and knowing him to be man
OF some judgment and decision Of
character, determined TO make a con-
iidaut TO him.
Having embarrassed aud partaken Of
refreshments he expressed wish TO sec
the Umgani Ialls-a magnificent cascade
in the immediate neighborbood, falling
from height Of over three hundred feet.
The roar of its waters could be heard
from where We were standing
hailed this opportunity Of making
my communication, aud volunteered to
accompany him.
When well ont Of oarshot / explained
ali the Circumstances Of my position and
the doubts ( entertained Of Dinelli. He
listened attentiyely.
"And now what do you suggest ?" he
asked. after ] hoi ended.
Ny idea was this: lie being on his
way to Helpmakaar with a supply Of
medical comforts for the troops, was to
permit me to exchange loads with him,
allowing Inc to transfer the contents Of
bis vehicle TO mino while l placed the
specie in his. 10 then was 10 drive on
by CurIe's Post and ColensO to Lady
smith, where the money could be placed
in charge Of the resident magistrate I'M
til my arrival.
"But how about yourself ?" he asked.
elf, as you seem to think, they have a
suspicion Of what you carry, you will be
murdered TO certainty. | never saw
more cutthroat-looking set of scoundrels
in my life than those worthless of Osier-
toms Horse. Besides. how can the ex
change he effected without exciting sus-
picion "
81 have thought of that" I returned.
CATER breakfast | had a private inter
view with Mrs. Psddley, and upon my
pressing representations obtained her
consent to have the boxes removed 70 q
room at the back Of the premises 4
door from thence leads into the new
lager, as a place OF exit should the no.
tel be attacked and become untenable
From that room ! think should be able
after nightfall to make the necessary
transfer unobserved, you causing your
conveyance to be taken TO the back of the
house. 1 heard them say that Mr.. Shore,
of the Telegraph Department, was
expected in tonight with some workmen,
and as he is joyial sort of fellow, al
ways spending his money pretty freely,
there will no doubt be a carouse. AS re-
CARDS myself" / added, "they will feel
secure. having announced my intention
of not starting until late tomorrow
morning, two OF my mulcs being slightly
lame. This luckily happens 70 be the
case. Should this come of all right, |
will take my departure. after allowing
YOU good start, and if / reach Currie's
Post unmolested will remain there for
the night. and on the following morning
ondcayor 80 reach Ladysmith by Ba-
yiaus poort aud the Old road
81 think the plan risky one for you,
whichever way you look at it, " he OBJ
served ; "but you may rely on lay CO.
operation
! thanked him heartily and remarked
that his own share was not free from
danger. at which be laughed.
After viewing the falls we returned to
the hotel.
The advent Of Mr. Shore led, as was
TO a joilitication, and ]
Joined IN IL with apparent zest, slipping
away every now and then to remove a
packet from the Doctors cart. replacing
It by one oi the boxes until the exchange
lad been fully completed.
The next morning was an anxious one
to me.
DR.. Mile, ut an early hour, hsrnessed
in q lclsurlv manner, stood chatting
with me for few minutes on indifferent
subjects within bearing of the people
about, and then drove away.
( gave a sigh Of relief as I saw the
mules turn round the corner that shut
yut the view Of hehousc. and disappear in
the scruh-l!ncd road below.
Turning back to the hotel | en-
the Italian, in company with
Osicrtou and Mondrum. "Well, Cap
tain" said the latter, "Nhen do you
start Can We help you TO load the
ammunition 2"
"1hank YOU" said coolly; ait is
done already. / didn't like to trust to
chance, as accidents often happen.
Yes; it might go oil, you know. "
said Osinton ieeringly; and they all
three laughed.
/ was now convinced that Dinelh had
by some means become acquainted with
the fact Of the dispatch OF the gold so
| determined to delay my departure as
onG as possible in order to enable Dr.
Mills 70 reach Currie's Post in sufficient
lime to halt, rest his mules, and again
resume his journey; by which time the
safety OF the consignment would be &C.
cure.
answered that trio with a Jest, and
my spirits rose at the thought Of having
)uiwitted the scoundrels
Noticed that they did not communi-
ate with any other members of the
band, so concluded that if they had any
enterprise in hand they meant to keep 1t
10 themselves.
When the time arrived that l had de-
,ided to start ordered the driver to
harness, having previously hired two
,resh mules from farmer in the neigh
1orhood. When all WAS ready drove
away.
A number Of the men were standing
bout. but / did not observe Dinelli or
us two new friends.
Carefully examing my revolver, which
vas loaded in all six chambers, brought
t conveniently to my hand and prepared
or whatever might happen.
There was only Quo part Of the road |
where | could be attacked at a disadvan. |
age, and this was situated about half /
vav betWeen tina Falls and Currie's Post. /