Then they reversed it and hoisted it half-mast high, and began to cheer for the Republic.
"Perhaps Uncle Silas does not know that we are a Republic again now," said one of the men, a near neighbour of his own, in mockery.
"What do you mean by a Republic ?" asked the old man.

"The Transvaal is a British colony." There was a hoot of derision at this.

"The English Government has surrendered," said the same man.

"The country is given up, and the British are to evacuate it in six months." "It is a lie!" said Silas, springing to his feet, "a cowardly lie! Whoever says that the English have given up the country to a few thousand blackguards like you, and deserted its subjects and the loyals and the natives, is a liar--a liar from hell!" There was another howl of mockery at this outburst, and when it had subsided Frank Muller stepped forward.
"It is no lie, Silas Croft," he said, "and the cowards are not we Boers, who have beaten you again and again, but your soldiers, who have done nothing but run away, and your Mr.Gladstone, who follows the example of your soldiers.

Look here"-- and he took a paper out of his pocket--"you know that signature, I suppose?
It is that of one of the Triumvirate.
Listen to what he says," and he read aloud:-- "'Well-beloved _Heer_ Muller,--this is to inform you that, by the strength of our arms fighting for the right and freedom, and also by the cowardice of the British Government, generals, and soldiers, we have by the will of the Almighty concluded this day a glorious peace with the enemy.