In this shelter it was certainly no hardship to spend those hot days, and it was known to be the coolest place in town at that hot season of the year.
On Sundays we were able, thanks to the religious proclivities of the Boers, to end our mole existence for twenty-four hours, and walk and live like Christians.

To almost the end of the siege this truce was scrupulously observed on both sides, and from early dawn to late at night the whole population thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

The relieved expression on the faces of all could not fail to be apparent to even a casual observer.

Pale women and children emerged from their laager, put on their finery, sunned themselves, and did their shopping.

The black ladies went in a body to the veldt to collect firewood with all their natural gaiety and light-heartedness, which not even shell-fire and numerous casualties amongst themselves seemed seriously to disturb.
Those of us who had horses and carriages at our disposal rode and drove anywhere within our lines in perfect safety.