Between Snow and Fire — page 237: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

a rat FNTa— fy = . . : A ROW IN THE CAMP. “And they think right for once, for you have given it away—to me. Do keep up appearances, that’s all. It won t be for much longer.”’ Eustace had secured a couple of rooms for his own use in one of the neighbouring cottages. The time not spent with Eanswyth was got through strolling about the camp, or now and then taking a short ride out into the ve/d¢ when the entourage was reported safe. But this, in deference to Eanswyth’s fears, he did but seldom. “Why on earth don’t you go to the front again, Milne ?”’ this or that friend or acquaintance would inquire. “ You must find it properly slow hanging on in this hole. I know Ido, Why, you could easily get a command of Fingo or Hottentot levies, or, for the matter of that, it oughtn’t to be difficult for a fellow with your record to raise a command on your own account.” “The fact is I’ve had enough of going to the front,” Eustace would reply. “ When I was there I used often to wonder what business it was of mine anyway, and when the Kafirs made a prisoner of me, my first thought was that it served me devilish well right. I give you my word it was. And I tell you what it is. When aman has got up every day for nearly a month, not knowing whether he’d go to bed between his blankets that night or pinned down to a black ants’ nest, he’s in no particular hurry to go and expose him- self to a repetition of the process. It tells upon the nerves, don’t you know.” : “ By Jove, I believe you,’} replied the other. “I never knew Jack Kafir was such a cruel devil before, at least not to white men. Well, if I'd gone through what you have, I believe I'd give the front a wide berth, too, As it is, I’m off in a day or two, I hope.” “T trust you may meet with better luck,” said Eustace. One day a considerable force of mounted burghers started for the Transkei—a good typical force—hardened, seasoned frontiersmen all, well mounted, well armed; in fact, a thoroughly serviceable looking corps all round. There was the usual complement of spectators seeing them off— the usual amount of cheering and hat-waving. On the out- skirts of the crowd was a sprinkling of natives, representing divers races and colours. “ 4u/" exclaimed a tall Gaika, as the crowd dispersed, “ That will be a hard stone for Kreli to try and crush, Gomicbooks J