that which I had snatched from the flank of the horse, and it was
dropped with a scream. Black hands were thrust through the hole, and
the Hottentot hacked and cut at them with the spear. But others came,
more than he could pierce, and the whole door-frame began to be dragged
outwards.

"Now, Marie, be ready," I gasped, lifting the pistol.

"Oh, Christ receive me!" she answered faintly. "It won't hurt much,
will it, Allan?"

"You will never feel anything," I whispered; as with the cold sweat
pouring from me I placed the muzzle within an inch of her forehead and
began to press the trigger. My God! yes, I actually began to press the
trigger softly and steadily, for I wished to make no mistake.

It was at this very moment, above the dreadful turmoil of the roaring
flames, the yells of the savages and the shrieks and groans of wounded
and dying men, that I heard the sweetest sound which ever fell upon my
ears--the sound of shots being fired, many shots, and quite close by.

"Great Heaven!" I screamed; "the Boers are here to save us. Marie, I
will hold the door while I can. If I fall, scramble through the
window--you can do it from the chest beneath--drop to the ground, and
run towards the firing. There's a chance for you yet, a good chance."

"And you, you," she moaned. "I would rather die with you."

"Do what I bid you," I answered savagely, and bounded forward towards
the rocking door.