Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1901-05-23

"Dutchy be hanged"
The enemy stood up. Whats that"
he said. My names Duggett-mount
ed infantry"
sniped and left for dead"
I'm on the missing roll. too; horse
shot, lost my way. and here am with
a bugle and an emptiness inside that
would fill balloon. Got any grub?"
mot bite-but there's house over
there" and shilly pointed to white
speck some four miles distant, at the
foot Of round hill with "viel" before
1t glittering in the sun. What do you
say?"
Late in the day they were at the
back of the house-a small, square.
four roomed bungalow with veranda.
There was no sign of life as they
lodged up to the shelter of the cattle
kraal, then into the kitchen, their en-
trance startling an unwary fowl, whose
shrill alarm was stiiled by a grip on
his throat. The other rooms were
empty, and they took possession.
I'm commanding o.-.cer," said Kill
lion. land you're cook."
There's no pot; I'll roast him." said
the cook. And this he did by the SIM
pie process of laying the fragments on
the live GOALS. THAT was good,' he
said with pride, after an interval. wip-
ing his mouth with the back of his
hand.
"Turn in and I'll mount guard" said
the C. o. sternly.
It seemed to Duggett that he had
been asleep only ten minutes when he
was aroused.
THE blasted enemy" (savagely).
..Always retire before superior
force If nothing is to be gained by
holding the position. Well take up our
stand among the rocks behind the
kraal," said the C. o. grandly.
door and Killion followed, three PAGES
to the rear. He saw on his right q
Kaffir squatting down and taking
snuff. as he watched the approaching
Beers. To his relief, the Kaf1ir did not
turn his head, and the two settled
down among the litter Of boulders.
From this retreat they watcher the
commandant ahead. the field comets
at the side. There were 800, and each
man carried his rife as seemed to him
best.
The Kaffir approached the command
ant and entered an excited speech, ann
plified by wonderful wealth of gestic-
ulations which almost told the tale.
The commandant listened to the end
and when the Kafflr suddenly subsidized
into q dignifled repose, he took his
pipe from his mouth and gave few
orders. Several of the burghers arose
and went heavily off to the hill.
my God" muttered Duggett! 81
thought that black devil had given us
away"
Lie flat" and they Rugged the
ground listening to footsteps passing
up the hill. '"They have not seen u.s."
"Roonieks, up-stand!"
1t was a gruff voice, and 1t was ac-
companied by the ring of rife barrels
II believe" said Duggett, "he is CALI
ing to u.s."
Killion twisted his head around to
look.
YES" he said, stand up"
LOOP" said the Bo-r in q growl,
pointing toward the house.
Duggett stepped off with his toes
pointed out, and Kulion followed three
PAGES in the rear, till he reached the
Dress! Stand easy" He wheeled
around, saluted and let his glLnce
travel over the jeering burghers The
commandant took his pipe out, and
waved the stem In Acknowledgement
of the salute.
that?" asked the Boer leader.
I'm commanding officer" said Kill
lion proudly.
my Gott!" muttered the command
ant, shaken out OF his reserve, while
his eye Travelled In wonder over the
torn dress and bruised hands of this
battered-lo looking British officer.
You can sleep inside" said the COM
mandant, land have field cornet ra-
tions. AS for the 'rooiEaaitje,' he will
sleep out here"
Next morning at sunrise the COM
mando was on the march, and the two
prisoners this time on an equality of
suffering had to keep pace on foot over
rough country for distance of five
miles to a steep kopje. Up the valley
toward them was moving. a strong
body of horse, the sun glittering like
flashes of fire on lance points,
WHO are these?" demanded the
commandant.
by jingo!" broke out Duggett,
they're our chaps"
Who are these?" repeated the
commandant.
Lord Dundonald's scouts"
"Goot so,'' said the Boer. drawing in
his breath. II have been long waiting
to catch him."
Killion went gray; then thought
struck him as he noticed the lay OF the
land. and his eyes frightened. Sec
here. commandant, let me stay here
When those men are near will call to
them, and you will have them fast in
the narrow part of the valley"
Maybe" said the commandment with
keen look, this is trick, but see I
will set man to watch you, and II you
play false he will shoot you dead"
~ right" said Killion calmly. ana