The Hero of Spionkop (Penning)

The Louis Wessles Commando Series - #2

A company of twenty-five horsemen with an officer in command galloped into the yard. They jumped down, fastened their horses to the young fig trees which bordered the broad driveway, and in silence awaited orders from their commanding officer.

He carefully scrutinized the terrain and set out five soldiers as watchmen. Five others were ordered to make a thorough search of the barn. Ten were posted at the various exits from the house and with the remaining five the officer entered the living room.

He had some difficulty with the lower door, but Mr.Potgieter helped him to open it.

He was still a young man, this officer, very keen in his work, which was to be commended, but he also had a hasty temper. At that moment his face was clouded by a nasty expression of growing anger.

"Are you the owner of this house?"

"Yes, I am, said Mr.Potgieter, "but do sit down, Lieutenant!"

"Just answer my questions - that will be enough!" was the rude answer.

Potgieter also remained standing facing the officer. In the background in front of the window nearest to the outer door, the five horsemen could be seen...

" Do you have a Boer from Transvaal hiding here?" asked the officer.

"If I should deny it, you wouldn't believe me in any case Lieutenant."

• Author: Lawrence Penning
• Pages: 166
• Paperback
• Published in 2006