"I hope so, sir," Chris said. "I should be sorry to miss the end here after having seen it so far." CHAPTER XVII A RESCUE. When Chris went out with Captain Brookfield and the farmer, the lads had shaken hands with all their friends, and were standing by the side of their horses ready to mount. Jack and the two Zulus were standing a few yards behind them. Japhet had brought up the other spare horse. "It is a nice piece of horse-flesh," the farmer said as he looked at it critically. "Yes, it was bred by Duncan. We purchased pretty well the pick of those he brought down the country." "That accounts for it. They are in good condition, too." "Yes; our horses all get two feeds of mealies a day, or, when it is wet, one feed of mealies and a hot mash made of mealie flour, besides what they can pick up, for we don't draw horse rations. Now, sir, we will be off;" and he gave the word "Mount!" The lads all in a second swung into their saddles. "Good-bye, lads, and good luck!" Captain Brookfield said; and the men standing by broke into a hearty cheer. There was a strong suspicion that the party were not going down to Maritzburg. It was felt that they were not the sort to throw it up before Ladysmith was relieved. And their suspicions were heightened when they saw the farmer mount and ride by the side of Chris. "It is all gammon about their resigning, is it not, Brookfield?" one of the officers said, as they stood looking after them. "Why should they have left two of their men here with some of their traps and stores if they had not been coming back? They would naturally give them all away. Besides, I noticed that farmer come in on foot half an hour ago; there was no talk of their leaving before he arrived, and he has gone off with them on one of their horses." Captain Brookfield smiled. "All I know about it officially is that this morning Mr. King resigned in the name of himself and his party; and as you know, I told you when they first joined us, they did so on the explicit understanding that they should be allowed to resign when they chose, and that provision was inserted when they were sworn in." "That is all you know officially?" "Yes. If they are missed, and the question is asked me what has become of them, that is the answer I shall give. What else I know I must for the present keep to myself." "I suppose we shall see them back soon?" "Well, I consider that that is within the limits of possibility." "I suppose that you have formed no plan yet, Mr. King?" the farmer said, when they had left the camp. "No; my present idea is to follow the line half-way down to Frere. If we were to strike off towards the country at once, we should, of course, be noticed; so I would rather get three miles on. You say it is about seventy miles?" "About that."