The ill-fated gold bullion Halfyde inadvertently brought to South Africa in Halfhyde and the Chain Gangs is destined to play a further part in his turbulent career. The Boer War is dragging into a series of seemingly interminable sieges, and the British Army is floundering on unfamiliar terrain against the cunning of the Boer farmers. By using the gold bullion, General Buller hopes to bribe those who can bring a speedy end to the siege of Ladysmith. Accompanied by the dull but dependable Mr. Bewdley, Halfhyde is ordered to escort the gold from Cape Town, but Boer attacks, unconventional transport, and the misery of the extreme climate lead the men and their burden into enemy hands. Halfhyde comes face to face with adversaries for whom the lure of gold overrides any loyalty to the cause of victory.