This was carried on through the secretary, and the General got more and more out of temper as he discovered what my request was.

I informed him I had come at the suggestion of his _Veldtcornet_; that all my relations were in England, except my husband, who was in Mafeking; that there was no meal in the colony where I had been living; and that I was prepared to ask Colonel Baden-Powell to exchange me for a Dutch lady whom I heard wished to leave, if he (General Snyman) would accept the exchange.

He promptly and with much decision refused.

Then it occurred to me this old gentleman meant to keep me as a prisoner of war, and my heart sank into my shoes.
The only concession I could obtain was that he would consider my case, and in the meantime he ordered that I should be accommodated in the field hospital.

Accompanied by the secretary, and leaving the staring crowd behind, I drove off to a little house, about half a mile away, where we found our destination.