There was no need for a second shell, for the sputtering rifle-fire ceased as if by magic, the Boers retiring, leaving the colonel's force at liberty to go on at leisure strengthening the emplacement of the enemy's heavy Creusot gun, and forming a magazine for the abundant supply of ammunition, also captured for its use. The rest of the day was occupied, by as many of the men as could be spared, building up sangars [loose stone walls for breastworks] and contriving rifle-pits and cover to such an extent that already it would have taken a strong and determined force to make any impression; while, when the officers met at the mess that night and the matter was under discussion, the colonel smiled. "Yes," he said, "pretty well for one day's work; but by the end of a week we shall have a little Gibraltar that will take all the men the Boers have in the field to capture--a regular stronghold, ready like a castle keep if we have to leave the village." "And may that never be, colonel," said Captain Roby. "Hear, hear!" cried every one present. "So I say," said the colonel; "but we may at any time be ordered to occupy some other position. By the way, though, I should not dislike to send the Boer leader a letter of thanks for sending us that gun and a supply of oxen. How many must be killed?" "Killed?" cried Captain Roby. "Yes; several were bayoneted in that charge." "Three only," replied the captain, "and they don't look much the worse for it. Their flesh seems to close up again like india-rubber. The vet says they will all heal up." "Good," said the colonel. "Take it all together, I shall have a pleasant despatch to send to the general. The capture of the big gun; not a man killed, and only three wounded. How are they getting on, doctor?" "Capitally. Nothing serious. But, by the way--" The doctor stopped and began to clean out his pipe. "Yes, by the way?" said the colonel. "Nothing unpleasant to report, I hope?" "Um--no," drawled the doctor. "A fresh patient with a touch of fever; but it wasn't that. I meant--that is, I wondered how you meant to send the despatch?" "Ha! Yes," said the colonel thoughtfully; "how? I don't feel disposed to risk any more men, and I hear that the Kaffirs do not seem to be tempted by the pay offered them, although I have offered double what I gave before." "That's bad," said the doctor. "Well, I suppose you can hold this place?" "Tight!" said the colonel laconically. "So long as provisions and ammunition hold out?" said Captain Roby tentatively. "Yes," assented the colonel. "And when they are ended," cried Dickenson, who had sat listening in silence, "we can try a bit of sport. There are herds of antelopes and flocks of guinea-fowl about, sir." "I doubt it, Dickenson," said the colonel, smiling; "and I fancy that the most profitable form of sport for us will be that followed out by our mounted men." "What's that, sir?" asked Dickenson.