Relates the experiences of two boys, cousins to each other, one American and the other English, whose fathers are engaged in the Transvaal, one in farming and the other in mining operations. While the two boys are off on a hunting trip after big game, the war between the Boers and Britons suddenly breaks out, and the boys find themselves placed between hostile armies, where their thrilling experiences are brought out in Mr. Stratemeyer's best style.