The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-01-27
CHAPTER xxx.

Tn the Thirsts of the Desert.
 '-So everything is made ready. and -o-morrow you start?"
 Jerry Boyle eyed his companion scarchingly. His eyes were very ser ious, and there was a coldness in his voice that jared on Guy Chalmers ears.
 The two men were standing on the stoep of the little hotel in Jacobs daal. a village only few miles from the Root Grond, and selected for their meeting because it was further than the latter place. and so less like ty to draw the attention of the people of Mafeking and its surroundings to themselves They had just finished toffin- The place was deserted, and thoroughly suited for a quiet talk.
 Guy was in anything but a cheer full mood. and it was this fact which had aroused the others cold curios- ity The two were smoking. There was no one in the bar behind them; there was not even a horse hitched to the tying-posts out in front; and, lik the hotel, the village seemed to be drowsing in the heat. The whole place suggested delightful shade. with its tree-lined roads and we'll scliaged gardens.
 Jerry mopped his brow, pushing back his siouch hat and barring his broad red forehead. Guy looked cool; his dark skin always appeared to resist the heat. - .sYes," he said, almost grudgingly, -.aIl is ready"
 You are three days late2"
 sIt's lucky I'm not more," Guy re- torted. with short laughS
 king?"
 ~Yes: I was lucky to escape with a whole skin- And yet"
 Jerry's eyes were intent upon his companions face. He waited, but as the other remained silent he prompt led him
 And yet?"
 1T don't know" Guy shifted his position with an impatient movement and stared down the road with thoughtful eyes. s.No shots came my way. although led the attack. was masked. in case of accidents; and when daylight came I let Mick take the lead. whilst I kept in the back ground I had a feeling the whole time that some protecting gen. ius was watching over me-reserving me, perhaps. wonder what for?''
 --Ycu had no right to take part in that fight The whole thing was a mistake Mafeking is too near to your place Besides, to wake these people up, it is bad. I was against it from the first. What has been done? We have lost ten good men; and our gain-nothing. We have been beaten. and the victory will give every savage in the country heart to fight You organized the affair. whyT
 Guy didn't answer at once, and the other went on
 You said it was to create a diver sion- SO that you could slip away un- noticed; or something of the sort That was not your real reason. knew it at the time didn't speak because you and those others were Eet upon the matter. None of you look beyond It is this freebootine business that really appeals to you What was your object?''
 Guy suddenly swung round on the old conccirator with one of his quick .accexsfons of impatient anger.
 -The only thing that can make oul schemes success" he cried hall savagely. My object was to blot out certain man in Mafeking. Yes, Fl say it for you,and have you the trou- ble- Long ago you warned me. tha1 Herman Elwood, among others ir Mafeking, was a capable man. Ever your recognition of him fell far shor' of the mark. He is a power in thi: land And he is pitting himself ir opposition to us. Every damned kAIIiT IS III HIS SGTtlCe ne ndS SpicS on us from the beginning of our work How. I don't know. I tell you he !! working an opposition conspirac, which is to bring about our undoing unless-unless he is done up, or wt can outstrip his schemes. The ab surd part is we know nothing of hi: plans-absolutely nothing; while he we have no idea how much he know. of ours His death is necessary. ana that was the reason of-well, what attempted to do and-failed. Now you know. Now, perhaps, you will understand that I contemplate my journey tomorrow with mixed feel ings- I tell you, I cannot be sure that he has not fathomed my inten tions If he has we'll, it is more than an even chance against my get ting across. That's all.'
 Jerry was first startled by ths younger mans bitter vehemence, bu as he proceeded he became seriousl, alarmed Nevertheless, his ready scheming brain was at work in an in