It was about an hour later, when the wounded had been seen to by the surgeon--who reported very favourably on the men, whose injuries were for the most part the result of blows from rifle-butts received in the struggle on the kopje--that two of the scouts who had been left to watch the Boers came in with a sufferer dangerously injured by a rifle-bullet. Dickenson's heart gave a throb as he saw the men, and being off duty, he hurried to meet them, in the hope and belief that they had found Lennox. But it was one of their companions. The men's report was that the Boers had come steadily on as the British force retreated, and had then been busily engaged collecting their dead and wounded, paying no heed to the little outpost watching them till their task was done, when, as the last of their wagons moved off, they began firing again, till one of the outposts fell, and the others remained too well covered, staying till the firing had ceased, and then hurrying back. "Poor old Lennox!" said Dickenson to himself. Then, seeing that Sergeant James was watching him, he shook his head. "I was hoping that they were bringing in Mr Lennox, sir," said the sergeant gloomily. "Of course, seeing the temper the enemy is in after their defeat, it would be like getting some of our fellows murdered if the colonel gave me leave to go out with a white flag." "I'm afraid so too," said Dickenson. "But what about as soon as it's dark, sir? Think the colonel would let us go to make a better search? He must be near the Boers' laager where we missed him." "I was thinking something of the sort," said Dickenson. "Will you go with me, James?" "Will I go with you, sir?" cried the sergeant. "Wouldn't I go through anything to try and get him back? You'll ask the colonel to name me, sir?" "If he gives consent," said Dickenson warmly. "He'll tell me to take two or three men, and of course I shall pick you for one." "Thankye, sir; and don't you be down-hearted. You're fagged now, sir, with all we've done since we started, and that explosion gave you a horrid shaking up. You go to your quarters, sir, as soon as the colonel has given leave, and lie down--flat on your back, sir--and sleep till it's time for starting. I'll have the others ready, and I'll rouse you up, sir." "Very well, sergeant," said the young officer. "I must own to being a bit down." As soon as the sergeant had left him, the young officer went to the colonel's quarters and asked to see him. "Come in, Dickenson," said the chief, and he held out his hand. "Thank you, my lad," he said. "I've heard all about what you've done. Very good indeed. I sha'n't forget it in my despatch, but when it will get to headquarters is more than I can tell. I'm glad you have come. What can I do for you?" Dickenson stated his wishes, and the colonel looked grave.