"Best get them initiated first," continued Philip, "and then they will be able to hold their own. Cecil Rhodes has already seen them, and trusts them, young as they are; and you know he is not the man to make many mistakes. Besides, think of your son's feelings. He must respect his father. Just give him a chance to speak for himself." "Yes, father; let us go with Mr Martin. I want to be proud as well as fond of my father. We all want to help to shake down this horrible tyranny, and we can be trusted." "Those are our sentiments, sir," echoed Ned and Fred--"to be of some service to the British, and help to wipe out those ugly stains that now lie on our flag." "My lads," answered Mr Raybold, gravely, "it is not that I do not trust you, but that I fear to risk you. What has to be done is our business, not yours--men's work, not boys'." "Where a father goes, surely it is a son's duty to follow," said Clarence. "We'll take the risk. And if we are boys, we are able to fight as well as most men, and run a good deal faster, if running is the game," added Ned, with a flash in his eyes. "Besides," said Fred, quietly, "we know too much already not to know more." Philip Martin laughed, and cried-- "That clinches it, I fancy. Come, Mr Raybold, I'd rather have these three youngsters in our ranks than a dozen of some fellows I know." "I must yield, I suppose," answered Mr Raybold, with a regretful sigh. "Only I wish I could have kept you out of this hornets' nest, Clarence. Be careful, though, now that you are about to become conspirators, for we have a very wily enemy to hoodwink." He went over to where the cigars were and took one, which he cut and lit, while he offered the box to Philip. "I'll call the committee meeting for half-past ten. That will give you time to look round the town, Philip." "Yes; that will do nicely. Come, boys, if you are ready we'll start." They found horses already saddled waiting for them at the front door, and together they cantered down the avenue and out to the main road. The moon was just rising as they started, and very soon it was shining upon their faces and casting long black shadows behind them. The three boys were filled with eagerness, not so much to see the town as to be introduced to that mysterious club. They had about four miles to ride before they reached the centre of the city, and through most of this distance they were passing private villas and gardens. The mines were situated on the other side of the city. Under the silver lustre of the moon, with the dark mystery of shadow which the shrubs and trees cast, these suburbs appeared to be centuries old. From the window-blinds of the mansions shone the mellow lamplights, while the sounds of singing and music all added to the charm of that warm and radiant night.