For such a moment I would have gone through fire and water.
'Majesty, this is the Dutchman I spoke of,' I heard Stumm say.
'What language does he speak ?' the Emperor asked.
'Dutch,' was the reply; 'but being a South African he also speaks English.' A spasm of pain seemed to flit over the face before me.

Then he addressed me in English.
'You have come from a land which will yet be our ally to offer your sword to our service?
I accept the gift and hail it as a good omen.

I would have given your race its freedom, but there were fools and traitors among you who misjudged me.

But that freedom I shall yet give you in spite of yourselves.

Are there many like you in your country ?' 'There are thousands, sire,' I said, lying cheerfully.