George Manville Fenn
A Dash from Diamond City
"A Dash from Diamond City" by George Manville Fenn is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of the Boer War in South Africa, the narrative follows two young men, Oliver West and Ingleborough, who are tasked with delivering crucial despatches through dangerous Boer-occupied territory. Along their journey, they encounter various obstacles and tense moments, ultimately testing their courage and resolve in the face of adversity. At the start of the story, the reader meets West and Ingleborough busy in a mundane office life amidst the bustling diamond mining industry. As the whispers of impending conflict grow louder, the mundane transforms into urgency as they prepare for what lies ahead. Their camaraderie is evident in their banter, particularly around their fellow clerk Anson, who is hinted at to be less trustworthy. The opening chapters set the stage for a journey filled with conflict, not just with external enemies but also hints of internal strife within their own ranks, particularly as the threat of war looms overhead.