Evening star., 1896-12-26

ing as this promised to be, and, for the
first minute or two, my expectation seemed
likely to be justified. I felt very much as
II had done while waiting In the darkness
the night before, for the arrival of the
game. and it was only by effort that
succeeded in making myself lie still. 1t
didn't last, however. In few minutes
the present situation grew indistinct and
mixed itself with the past. I was once
more lying in the long grass under the big
rock: could once more trace the moving
outlines in the hollow below me, that
seemed little more than darkness in mo-
tion. I could see the glittering stars over
head, and the dark sky growing lighter
moment by moment as 1 looked. Suddenly
somebody shook me by the shoulder. and I
started up only to see Travers standing be-
side me with a lantern in his hand. 1 had
slept for nearly two hours.
Hush" he said. in a low voice: It's time
to be moving. and want You to have a
look at these beggars.
To throw ON again the few articles of
clothing I had taken off was the work Of
only second, and then 1 followed. Tray-
ers out of the hut. 1t was the first of the
dawn. Travers laid his hand on my arm
and pointed across the river toward the
blackness Of the frowning Kopje
"Our friends are up to time Hail. you
see" My eyes followed the direction Of his
finger, and now I could make out where
vague. shadowy bodies Of misty looking
figures were moving slowly toward the
ford of the Makaiesi. They were still some
distance off, and they were evidently in no
hurry. but even in that dim, uncertain
light could see that they were marching
In military order, and. as 1 looked, could
fancy heard once more the low throbbing
sound of their last nights tread.
surely there are more of these fellows
than we saw last night, Travers" I said,
dropping my voice. instihctively In lower
tone.
Il should say so-ratherr' he replied,
with a half laugh; I'VE are in luck that
we didn't NEE the second division of them
fo- there must be quite as many again
there as we saw, but the doctor expects
another batch of them to take us in the
rear" l looked at Travers and I suppose
must have looked startled He laugh
ed-hfs own light, reckless laugh.
"Fact," he said. Better than a lion af-
ter all, old man; but con1e3fon and get
some supper, or breakfastyo W lsichever you
like to call it. The ordersI are strict-.at-
tend to the commissariatfssT daresay we
shall need 1T all before Baker dan bring us
relief" d rs = :.
1 followed Travers intdstbe mess hut
where We found most of the hatIe garrison
busy over substantial fmehl. 1 looked
reund and l could see no sign that the
There was little talk, indeed and none of
the usual noise and fun, but each man
seemed to be eating in a steady, business
like way TraySrs and I foubd seats and
followed their example. We had scarcely
finished our meal when suadersay the bugIe
sounded, and every man leapsd to his feet
by common impulse. uAgain, and yet
again. the clear notes oftithe bugle rang
through the morning air. and, hs we troop
ed out of the hut, all eyesa were turned in
the direction OF the advancing enemy. They
nad nearly reached the river bank, and hal
halted before taking to the ford Now for
the hrst time could see them plainly. and,
I confess. I thought I had never seen q
nhsr Dedy OF men. Tall. powerful. and dis
cipIired, even their more than half nude
ngrres and barbaric appointments rather
added to the effect II they were surprised
at our sudden challenge, they made no
sign, but stood quietly at ease. each war.
rior with shield and spears and looking ap-
parentiy straight before-h him.
Men" said the doctor, In a low clear
voice. which somehow rang more distinct
and impressive than a shout, ..get your
gtrs and take; your posts. Don't begin to
fre till give the word and see you don
waste a shot. We've got to keep these
fellows on for three hours, at any rate. be-
fore we can hope for reiief--welI,' he add
lite for your Christmas dinner" i.