there was sufficient light. In ten minutes or less they would be here. There was no time to inspan the oxen, and even if there had been, stiff and weary as the beasts were, we should be overtaken before we had gone a hundred yards on that bad road. What then was to be done? Run for it? It was impossible, Anscombe could not run. My eye fell upon the horse munching the last of his mealies. 

 “Footsack,” I said as quietly as I could, “never mind about inspanning yet, but saddle up the horse. Be quick now.” 

 He looked at me doubtfully, but obeyed, having seen nothing. If he had seen I knew that he would have been off. I nipped round to the end of the wagon, calling to the other two boys to let the oxen be a while and come to me. 

 “Now, Anscombe,” I said, “hand out the rifles and cartridges. Don’t stop to ask questions, but do what I tell you. They are on the rack by your side. So. Now put on your revolver and let me help you down. Man, don’t forget your hat.” 

 He obeyed quickly enough, and presently was standing on one leg by my side, looking cramped and tottery. 

 “The Basutos are on us,” I said. 

 He whistled and remarked something about Chapter No. 2. 

 “Footsack,” I called, “bring the horse here; the Baas wishes to ride a little to ease his leg.” 

 He did so, stopping a moment to pull the second girth tight. Then we helped Anscombe into the saddle. 

 “Which way?” he asked. 

 I looked at the long slope in front of us. It was steep and bad going. Anscombe might get up it on the horse before the Kaffirs overtook us, but it was extremely problematical if we could do so. I might perhaps if I mounted behind him and the horse could bear us both, which was doubtful, but how about our poor servants? He saw the doubt upon my face and said in his quiet way, 

 “You may remember that our white-bearded friend told us to make straight for his place in case of any difficulty with the Basutos. It seems to have arisen.” 

 “I know he did,” I answered, “but I cannot make up my mind which is the more dangerous, Marnham or the Basutos. I rather think that he set them on to us.” 

 “It is impossible to solve problems at this hour of the morning, Quatermain, 

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