THREE HELIOS . 
47 
but got no answer. The Boers lay low and 
waited, and the cloud of dust drew nearer. 
But out of it, after a while, there came another 
cloud — a little one, that rose higher and moved 
three times as fast. And three thousand 
yards beyond the ford three batteries of 
horse artillery swung round to “ Action 
Front.” 
Shrapnel were the scouts this time — round 
iron balls that shrieked and sang among the 
kopjes, ricochetting off the rocks and seeking 
out what lay there. Then came a real retreat, 
hurried along by pom-pom shells and maxims 
and very long-range rifle-fire. And after 
that a stretcher picked up Furleigh and bore 
him to the rear. Copeland rose from the 
grass and walked back, and reported to the 
general officer commanding. 
“ Who are you ? ” asked the general. 
“ Copeland, sir. O.C. advanced scouting- 
party.” 
“ Where is your command ? ” 
“ All killed, sir.” 
“ Excepting you, eh ? ” 
Copeland said nothing. 
“ How did you come to report the crossing 
safe and undefended ? ” 
“ I did not, sir. The sergeant-signaller did 
that. As I lay among the grass on this side 
of the river, spent, sir, you’ll understand, 1 
