CHAPTER EIGHT.
VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEER.
Rumours that proved to be false and rumours that proved to be true wereplentiful enough during the following fortnight; and in that timeKimberley was transformed from a busy mining camp in which the black andwhite inhabitants were constantly going and coming like ants in a hillto a town whose siege was imminent, and whose people thought of nothingbut preparing for the enemy, and whose talk was of rifle, cartridge, andtrench.
But there was something done beside talk, the people loyally joiningwith the small military garrison in preparing for the defence of theplace; and, while one portion worked to strengthen every spot that wouldform a redoubt, the other strove as long as was possible to get instores to enable the defenders to hold out if they were besieged. Forthe determination was strong to save the enormous wealth of the placefrom the enemy whose borders were so short a distance from their lines.
Drilling and instruction in the use of arms were carried on almost nightand day, and in a very short time the military element seemed to havepretty well swallowed up the civil, while each hour found the peoplemore ready to meet the first rush of the dogs of war.
It was a most unsuitable place for defence, being a mere mining camppitched in a wide bare plain, the only part suitable for turning into akeep being the huge mound cast up by the excavations in the search fordiamonds; and this was fortified to the best of the defenders' abilityalmost from the first. But the situation had its advantages as well asfailings, for the flat, open, desert-like land stretched right away onall sides, giving an enemy no undue advantages in the shape of kopje orravine to turn into a natural fortress from which the town could beattacked.
The place, then, was a fair example of weakness and strength, thelatter, however, daily growing, in the shape of a stern determination togive the Boers a very warm reception when they did attack.
So the days glided rapidly by, with authentic news at first fairlyabundant, but invariably of a very serious nature, and whenever theywere off the new duties they had to fulfil, the said news was amplydiscussed by the two young men, who from their prior preparation hadstood forward at once as prominent members of the semi-military force.
"Be patient," said Ingleborough laughingly, one evening; "there'll beplenty of fighting by-and-by. I'd no idea you were going to developinto such a fire-eater."
"Fire-eater? Absurd! I only feel deeply interested in all we aredoing."
"That's right, Noll! So do we all; but let's have no rashness.Remember all the drill and discipline. That's where we shall be able totell against the enemy. They can use their rifles well enough; but theyare an undisciplined mob at the best. By the way, have you run againstthe flute-player lately?"
"No, but I met the people with whom he lodges yesterday. They knew meagain, and came up as if wanting to speak."
"What about?"
"Oh, they began by talking about the war and asking me whether I thoughtit would last long."
"To which you said _No_, eh?"
"I only said that I hoped not, and then they volunteered the informationthat they believed Anson was going to leave the town for the south."
"Indeed?" said Ingleborough sharply. "What made them think that?"
"Because their lodger had packed up all his little belongings and hadbought a wagon and a span of oxen, which he kept just outside."
"Well, he'll lose them if he doesn't look out. He'll find himselfbetween two fires. Either the oxen will be seized for stores, or theBoers will cut them off. The fellow must be either desperate or mad."
"In a fright, I should say," said West. "I don't think he would stomachthe fighting."
"Oh, it's all nonsense! The report this evening was that the Boers areclosing round us fast. He'll be stopped by one side or the other.Norton ought to know of this, though."
"I daresay he does know already," said West; "for he told me the otherday that he was keeping his eye on our friend."
"So he did," said Ingleborough thoughtfully. "He has some idea ofcatching him trying to communicate with the enemy. If he does, MasterSimon will not get off so easily as he did over the diamond business.Well, I'm tired, and I shall go to bed. Let's sleep while we can.There's no knowing what a day will bring forth!"
"You are right," said West. "You think we shall really come to closequarters?"
"Yes, and very close quarters too. I've expected it before now."
Nothing happens so surely as the unexpected, someone once said; and itwas so the very next day.
Military drill was, as intimated, constantly going on; but that nextmorning there was a larger gathering than usual, the principal part ofthe regulars being drawn up in lines with the volunteer defenders--inall, a goodly show.
It was to some extent a general inspection; but after it was over themen were formed up as three sides of a hollow square, and the Colonel incommand addressed the men, complimenting them upon their behaviour, andthen giving them the contents in a great measure of the despatches hehad received from headquarters, in combination with the reports of thescouts and from the outposts. He concluded by saying that in a fewhours they would, in all probability, be completely shut off fromcommunication with the south, for the Boers were closing round them ingreat force, and that until they were relieved they would be called uponto hold Kimberley, making a brave defence to save so important a townfrom falling into the hands of the invader.
Here he was stopped by a tremendous burst of cheering, which hinderedhim from saying, as he intended, that they must be of good heart andfull of trust that the General in command would soon send help.
But the enthusiastic cheering taught the Commandant plainly that the menbefore him needed no "heartening up," and he smiled with satisfaction ashe felt convinced that every call he made upon them would be answered.
What followed was short and to the point. He thanked them, made a fewremarks about his determination that no Boers should drag the Britishflag from where it fluttered, told the garrison that he was proud to saythat they had an ample supply of provisions and military stores, andthat the Boers had only to make their first attack to find how they haddeceived themselves about the British surrender at Majuba Hill.
Here there was another deafening burst of cheers.
Finally he made a fresh allusion to the well-known town farther northwhich was being surrounded by the enemy even as they were being shut inthere.
"It will be a race," he said, "between us as to which town will firstbeat the Boers off; and the victors will then have the glorious task ofgoing to the relief of the others."
After this the regulars were marched off to their quarters, leaving thevolunteers standing fast; and the Commandant now summoned their officersto his side.
As it happened, this was within a few yards of the spot where West andIngleborough were drawn up in the line, and every word the Commandantspoke came to them clear and plain.
"I have another little business to speak about, gentlemen," he said, "inconnection with a second despatch which was enclosed to me this morningwithin my own. It is a letter of instructions I am ordered to convey toour brave brother-in-arms now in command at Mafeking; and, on thinkingthe matter over, I concluded that it would be unwise to select one of myown men to carry that despatch, from their want of knowledge of thecountry and people, and far better to apply to you gentlemen torecommend to me a thoroughly trustworthy man or two, who, regardless ofall obstacles, would carry the despatch, bringing to bear force orcunning so as to evade the enemy's scouts, for the road is sure to swarmwith them, even if it is not occupied by the Boers in force. It ispossible, too, that Mafeking may be completely invested when he or theyreach its neighbourhood; but I must have a despatch-rider who will lookupon even that as a trifle to be overcome or crossed, and who will notrest until the despatch is safely placed in Colonel Baden-Powell'shands. Let me be fully understood: I want messengers who will be readyto fight if necessary or fly if needs be, but only to rebound and try inanother direct
ion--in short, men who will button up this despatch andsay: `It shall be placed in Baden-Powell's hands by hook or crook assoon as a swift horse can cover the ground.' This is what I want, andit is urgent, or it would not be placed in my hands to deliver with suchstern commands. It means life or death to hundreds, if not thousands.So now then, whom do you know that will, with the assistance of a bravecomrade, risk his life and carry my despatch?"
A dead silence, which lasted many seconds, fell upon the group, but atlast the volunteer Colonel spoke out.
"I am not prepared to name anyone, sir," he said, "and I flinch fromsending any man in my regiment upon so terribly perilous a journey, forit means almost to a certainty being shot down, for the bearer of thedespatch will be bound to hurry on and pay no heed to challenges tostop."
"Certainly," said the Commandant, frowning; "but surely--"
"One moment, sir; I was about to say that the fairest way would be tocall for volunteers, and then select the two most likely men."
"Well," said the Commandant, "do that then, and let the men fullyunderstand that it is a most dangerous task. Mind, too, that he must bea good and a rather reckless rider, able to bear fatigue, and above alldetermined to do this thing for the honour of his country and the savingof his brother men.--Yes, my lad, what is it?"
For West, whose face had flushed deeply and whose blood tingled in hisveins, had taken four steps forward out of the ranks, and now stood withhis hand raised to the salute.
"Give me the despatch, sir," he said. "I'll take it."
"You?" cried the Commandant wonderingly, as his eyes ran over thespeaker. "You are very young. But are you a good rider?"
"I think I can ride anything well enough, sir."
"Splendid rider," said a deep voice, and Ingleborough strode to theyoung man's side. "He'll do it, sir, if any man can; and I'll go withhim to help him in the task if you'll give me orders."
"Hah!" ejaculated the Commandant. "Yes, I know you, Mr Ingleborough.You belong to the police?"
"Oh no, sir; I am only on friendly terms with the superintendent, andhave been on expeditions with him."
"And you think your young friend would be a good man to carry thedespatch?"
"I would trust him if I were in power, sir."
"Then I will," said the Commandant, after a long and searching look atWest. "Be at my quarters in fifteen minutes' time, both of you, and wewill have further talk on the matter."
The young men exchanged looks as they resumed their places in the ranks,West's countenance betokening the wild excitement he felt, whileIngleborough, who looked perfectly calm and contented, just gave him asmile and a nod.
A few minutes later they were dismissed, and the two young men had hardwork to get free from their brother volunteers, who surrounded andcheered them loudly, one of the officers proposing that they should bechaired back through the town. But they escaped this on the ground oftheir orders to go to the Commandant's quarters, and were at last setfree, to hurry away. The next minute they encountered Anson, who hadheard and seen all, and passed them without a word, but wearing apeculiarly supercilious and meaning smile which broadened into a grin ofcontempt that made West writhe.
"Bless him!" said Ingleborough. "Do you know what the pleasant lookmeans?"
"That he will not be happy till I've thrashed him."
"No," said Ingleborough; "he has evidently heard all, and has made uphis mind that he is going to have a pleasant revenge."
"How? In what way?" cried West.
"He thinks the Boers will shoot us: that's all."
"Ah!" cried West.
"But we will not let them, my dear boy," said Ingleborough coolly."They're slim, as they call it; but two can play at that game."
"Yes, but look: here's Mr Allan coming to say that we can't go," saidWest excitedly, for the chief director was approaching and raised hishand to stop them, signing to them directly after to come to his side.
"Looks as if he is going to put a stopper on our patriotism," growledIngleborough. "We've been reckoning without our host."
A Dash from Diamond City Page 8