For so it was. We had made up our minds that we were to be last, but the Colonel's determination was to bear round to the left instead of the right; and in consequence of the movement the rear troop led. We rode on at a walk till we had passed round by the rocks which harboured the baboons, and then on till we were nearly opposite the opening by which we had entered the old stronghold. Then the order came, "Right!" and we struck off straight away for the Boer force opposite, an advance-guard and supports being sent out far ahead; while the silence of the night was only broken by the softly-muffled tread of the horses, and once in a way by an impatient snort. "That's the danger," said Denham to me softly. "Just at the nick of time our nags 'll be telling the Doppies we're coming." "Perhaps not," I replied. "Where they are they have horses about them in all directions; and if they heard a snort, why shouldn't they think it was from one of their own ponies?" "I hope they will," said Denham impatiently. "But, I say, the chief isn't going to keep us at this snail's-pace--is he? I want to gallop, and get it done.--Hullo! old Dark Night; I didn't know you were there." This was to Joeboy, who was walking with one hand on the cantle of my saddle. "Um!" said Joeboy; "come along take care of Boss Val." "Good boy!" said Denham banteringly. "Take care of me too." "Um! Yes! Take care too," replied the black; and just then an idea struck me, and I hastened to communicate it to my companion at once. "Why, Denham," I said, "we ought to send Joeboy right on in front, away in advance of the guard. He wouldn't be noticed in the dark, and would be able to get close to the outposts and let us know when it is time to charge." "Silence in the ranks there!" said a stern voice. "Not a word there! Who's here?" "Denham, sir," replied my companion. "Then you had better go to the rear. I want trustworthy officers in front during this emergency." "Yes, sir," said Denham bitterly; and he was in the act of falling out from his place when, feeling unable to contain myself, I broke out: "I beg pardon, sir; it was my fault. I spoke to propose--" "To propose what?--Silence!" I was mutinous in my excitement, for I continued: "To send on this black we have with us right in front. He could get close up to the outposts without being seen." I expected a severe rebuke before I had finished; but, to my surprise, the Colonel--for it was he who had ridden up to the front--heard me to the end. "A black?" he said. "Is he to be trusted?" "I'll answer for him, sir," I said eagerly. "Here, Mr Denham," said the Colonel, "stay in your place. Yes--send the black scout on at once to creep forward far in advance of the column, and tell him to come back and give us full warning of how near we are to the enemy." The Colonel drew rein as soon as he had spoken, and we passed on, while as soon as we were getting out of hearing Denham gripped my arm.