As a matter of fact, Petrus Viljoen was anything but a fighting man, and could be of very little service to our enemies.

The burghers had told me his presence was so persistently desired from the fact of the republic having private scores to settle with him.

In any case, he was very reluctant to leave Mafeking and the safety of the prison, which fact had influenced Colonel Baden-Powell in finally agreeing to the exchange.
As may be imagined, I could hardly believe my good fortune, and I lost no time in scrambling into my clothes while the cart was being inspanned.

A vexatious delay occurred from the intractability of the mules, which persistently refused to allow themselves to be caught.

The exchange of prisoners had to be effected before 8 a.m., when the truce would be over, and I shall never forget how I execrated those stubborn animals, as the precious minutes slipped by, fearful lest my captors would change their minds and impose fresh conditions.