We outspanned for the second time at the house of De Koker, who had been the first to advise me to visit the laager.

His dwelling was situated close to the railway-line, or, rather, to where the railway-line had been.

Here there was a great stir and bustle; men were hurrying in and out, nearly all armed; horses were tethered before the door; and, on hearing my cart drive up, the _Veldtcornet_ himself came out to meet me, and gravely invited me to descend.

I now saw the interior of a typical Dutch house, with the family at home.

The _vrow_ came forward with hand outstretched in the awkward Boer fashion.