"I don't know what to say, Dickenson," he replied. "It would be a very risky task. I have scouts out, but I doubt whether they'll be able to tell whether the enemy is still holding the kopje. If he is, you will run a terrible risk. I've just lost one of my most promising young officers; I can't spare another." "I was afraid you would say so, sir. But Drew Lennox and I have always been regular chums together, and it seems horrible to settle down quietly here in safety and do nothing to try and find him." "It does, my dear sir; but we soldiers have to make sacrifices in the cause of duty." "Yes, sir; but we've had a splendid bit of luck since last night. Can't you strain a point?" The colonel smiled. "Well, it's hardly fair to call it luck, Dickenson," he said. "I think some of it's due to good management. Eh?" "Yes, sir; you are quite right." "Well there, then, if you'll promise me to run no risks with the lads, and return if you find the enemy still at the kopje, I'll give you leave to take a sergeant and a couple of men and go." Dickenson looked pleased and yet disappointed. "We might find him somewhere near, sir, even if the Boers are there," he said. "In the darkness of a moonless night, with men on the _qui vive_ ready to fire at the slightest sound?" "We got well into the laager last night, sir, with a hundred and fifty men," said Dickenson in tones of protest. "But you wouldn't get in to-night with one, and such an enterprise against either of the other laagers would now be impossible. There, I can make no further concessions, for all your sakes, so be content." "You are right, sir, and I am wrong," replied Dickenson quietly. "You will retire, then, directly you find the place occupied?" "Yes, sir." "Go, then, as soon as it is dark. You can pick two men who can ride, take three of the captured Bechuana ponies, and one can hold them while the others search." "Thank you, sir." "But I have no hope of your finding him, Dickenson. This is solely from a desire that we may feel we have done all we can do in such a case. Now I am busy. You have been up all night, and nearly been killed. Go and lie down for a few hours' sleep." The young officer left the colonel's presence, and had no trouble in finding the sergeant, for he was watching for his return, and heard with eagerness the result. "Ride? Capital, sir; make us fresher for our work. We shall find him. I don't believe he's dead. Now you'll take a rest, sir. I'll have the ponies ready, and the men." Dickenson gave him the names of the two men he would like to take, but had to give up one. "Can't sit a horse, sir; hangs on its back like a stuffed image. Now Jeffson, sir, was a gentleman's groom. Ride anything. I wonder he isn't in the cavalry." "Very well, then; warn Jeffson. There, I am done up, sergeant. I trust you to rouse me as soon as it's dark." "Right, sir. But one word, sir." "What is it?"