It spread the news of his invasion far and wide, and a few hours after his start the Boer farmers were riding hard from every direction to intercept him.
As soon as it was known in Johannesburg that he was on his way to rescue the women and children, the grateful people put the women and children in a train and rushed them for Australia.

In fact, the approach of Johannesburg's saviour created panic and consternation; there, and a multitude of males of peaceable disposition swept to the trains like a sand-storm.

The early ones fared best; they secured seats--by sitting in them--eight hours before the first train was timed to leave.
Mr.Rhodes lost no time.

He cabled the renowned Johannesburg letter of invitation to the London press--the gray-headedest piece of ancient history that ever went over a cable.
The new poet laureate lost no time.

He came out with a rousing poem lauding Jameson's prompt and splendid heroism in flying to the rescue of the women and children; for the poet could not know that he did not fly until two months after the invitation.