"Will you pass your word about the despatches ?" "Yes." "Good.

Here is the pass;" and he handed over that document to John.
It was in the same handwriting as the letter, but signed by the Boer general.
John examined it, and then called to Jess to come to translate it, who, having heard the voice of the Boer, was on her way round the corner of the house.
"It means, 'Pass the bearers unharmed,'" she said, "and the signature is genuine.

I have seen Paul Kruger's signature before." "When must we start ?" asked John of the Boer.
"At once, or not at all." "I must drive round by the headquarter camp to explain my departure.
They will think that I have run away." To this the Boer demurred, but finally, after going to the gate to consult his companion, he consented and the two rode back to the headquarter camp, saying that they would wait for the cart there, whereupon the horses were inspanned.
In five minutes everything was ready, and the cart was standing on the roadway in front of the little gate.

After he had looked to all the straps and buckles, and seen that the baggage was properly packed, John went to call Jess.

He found her by the doorstep, looking out at her favourite view.