JESS GETS A PASS About half-past ten on the morning following her interview with Hans Coetzee, Jess was at "The Palatial" as usual, and John was just finishing packing the cart with such few goods as they possessed.

There was little chance of his labour proving of material use, for he did not in the slightest degree expect that they would get the pass; but, as he said cheerfully, it was as good an amusement as any other.
"I say, Jess," he called out presently, "come here." "What for ?" asked Jess, who was seated on the doorstep mending something, and looking at her favourite view.
"Because I want to speak to you." She rose and went, feeling rather angry with herself for going.
"Well," she said tartly, "here I am.

What is it ?" "I have finished packing the cart, that's all." "And you mean to tell me that you have brought me round here to say that ?" "Yes, of course I have; exercise is good for the young." Then he laughed, and she laughed too.
It was all nothing--nothing at all--but somehow it was very delightful.
Certainly mutual affection, even when unexpressed, has a way of making things go happily, and can find entertainment anywhere.
Just then, who should arrive but Mrs.Neville, in a great state of excitement, and, as usual, fanning herself with her hat.
"What do you think, Captain Niel?
The prisoners have come in, and I heard one of the Boers in charge say that he had a pass signed by the Boer general for some English people, and that he was coming over to see about them presently.

Who can it be ?" "It is for us," said Jess quickly.

"We are going home.