And Frank, being safely mounted _en croupe_, they rode at full speed after their comrades, who, not perceiving their absence, had galloped on and were now nearly a quarter of a mile ahead. Fortunately, however, the Caffres did not follow in pursuit; so they rejoined their friends without further misadventure. An hour later the escort arrived safely at Burns Hill... When the staff-officer delivered his despatch to the camp commandant he learned, to his astonishment, that the troops left behind at Burns Hill had been hotly engaged with the enemy, who early in the day had attacked the camp, and, though finally repulsed with heavy loss, had succeeded in carrying off a number of draught cattle. In the hope of recapturing these cattle, a troop of the 7th Dragoon Guards under Captain Bambric (a fine old officer who had fought at the battle of Waterloo), and a strong party of the Cape Mounted Riflemen under Lieutenant Boyes, had followed the daring Caffres into the bush, but, being attacked at a disadvantage by a vastly superior force, they had been compelled to retire, leaving their veteran leader _mort sur le champ de bataille_. CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. FIGHTING THEIR BATTLES O'ER AGAIN. The sun had set and "retreat" long since been sounded when the escort reached Burns Hill, so that by the time Tom Flinders had reported himself to Captain Jamieson, had seen his horse fed, watered, and "fettled up" for the night, and had got rid of the traces of his arduous day's work, the officers of the various detachments in camp were already gathered round the big watch-fire, and were eating their frugal supper, talking over the stirring events of the day, or paying a soldier's tribute to the memory of their brave comrades who only the evening before formed part of their circle, but who now lay stiff and stark in the distant bush. Of those who had ridden in from Chumie Hoek the first to join the group round the fire was Lieutenant S--, and he at once proceeded to relate the gallant manner in which Tom had rescued Frank Jamieson from the Caffres. Said he warmly: "It was one of the pluckiest things I have seen for a long time. Young Flinders is a fine lad, and will make a capital officer." "He is a `chip of the old block,' as those of you who know Matthew Flinders will agree," put in Captain Jamieson, who had heard full particulars from his son. "I'm proud of him, I can assure you." "And here comes the young hero!" exclaimed Mr S--as Tom walked up to the fire. "We were just talking of you, Flinders," he added, slapping the lad's shoulder. "By Saint George, sir, that cut you delivered was worthy of Shaw the life-guardsman!" "Sit beside me, Tom," said Captain Jamieson, making room for him. "We'll find a bone for you to pick somewhere. I can't say all I wish to say now," he went on in a low tone. "But you know how deeply I--eh, my dear boy!" And the old officer pressed his young friend's hand.