dislike. Although the smooth, sun-reddened skin and the fluffy, yellow
moustache aggravated this feeling, the central cause was the pair of
pale blue eyes. Perhaps they always popped out that way, but Sean
doubted it. They focused steadily on Sean only during the short period
when Sean reported that he had made no contact with the Boer, then they
swivelled back to Ruth.
'We'll not detain you longer, Lieutenant,' Sean grunted and gathered
his reins to turn away.
'You are still ten miles from the Tugela River, Mr. Courtney.
Theoretically this area is held by the Boers and although we are well
out on the flank of their main army it would be much safer if you
entered the British lines under our protection. ' 'Thank you, no. I
want to avoid both armies and reach Pietermaritzburg as soon as
possible.' The subaltern shrugged.
'The choice is yours. But if it were my wife and child . . . ' He did
not finish, but turned in the saddle to signal the column forward.
'Come on, Ruth. ' Sean caught her eye, but she did not move.
'I'm not going with you.' There was a flat quality in her voice and
she looked away from him.
'Don't be silly. ' It shocked him and gave his reply a harshness that
lit sparks of anger in her eyes.
'May I travel with you?' she demanded of the subaltern.
'Well, ma'am.' He hesitated, glancing quickly at Sean before he went
on. 'If your husband . . . ' 'He's not my husband. I hardly know
him.' She cut in and ignored the exclamation of protest from Sean. 'My
husband is with your army. I want you to take me with you, please. '
'Well, now ... That's a horse of another colour,' the officer drawled,
but the lazy arrogance of his tone barely concealed his pleasure at the
prospect of Ruth's company. 'I'd be delighted to escort you, ma'am.
With her knees Ruth backed her mount and fell in beside the subaltern.
This small manoeuvre placed her directly facing Sean-as though she were
on the far side of a barrier.
'Ruth, please. Let me talk to you about this. Just a few minutes. '
'No. ' There was no expression in her voice, not in her face.
'Just to say good-bye,' he pleaded.
'We've said good-bye.' She glanced from Sean to Dirk and then away.
The subaltern raised his clenched fist high and lifted his voice.
'Column! Column, Forward!' and as his big, glossy hunter started he
grinned maliciously at Sean and touched the brim of his helmet in
ironical salute.
'Ruth!'
But she was no longer looking at Sean. Her eyes were fixed ahead and
as she swept away at the head of the column her chin was up, that
smiling type of mouth was drawn into two straight lips and the thick
braid of hair thumped against her back with each thrust of the horse
beneath her.
'Rough luck, matey!' called a trooper from the rear rank and then they
were past.
Hunched in the saddle Sean stared after them.
