For the hour, Kruger Bobs and he
were friends, bound upon one and the same errand. With impartial
hand, Weldon tore the paper across and divided its contents. He only
regretted that convention had forbidden him the trick of smacking
his lips in sign of relish. It would have been good to have the
ability of Kruger Bobs to give audible token of his appreciation of
Paddy's bounty.
Somewhat refreshed, he straightened in his saddle.
"Now be careful, Kruger Bobs. There are Boers in these hills," he
warned his companion; "and it would never do for us to be sniped."
Kruger Bobs came close to his side.
"Dutchmans kill Kruger Bobs, no matter; kill Boss, no take despatch.
Boss say to Kruger Bobs where de despatch. Kruger Bobs take him to
Krugersdorp, if Boss die."
And Weldon shivered a little, as the silence dropped again.
The ridges were steeper now, and came in more swift succession, as
the horsemen plodded wearily along the southern slope of the Rand.
Piggie was breathing heavily; and Weldon, clinging to his saddle
with the purely mechanical grip of the exhausted rider, halted again
and again to rest the plucky little animal whose best was always his
for the asking.
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