He had ridden over post-haste to tell us the Boers were swarming there, and that he and his men had evacuated the barracks.

He also warned us the same commando was coming here on the morrow, and advised that all the cattle on the farm should be driven to a place of safety.

This information did not conduce to a peaceful night, but, anyway, it gave one something to think of besides Mafeking.

I buried a small jewel-case and my despatch-box in the garden, and then we went calmly to bed to await these unwelcome visitors.

Mr.Keeley had fortunately left the day before on a business visit to a neighbouring farmer, for his presence would rather have contributed to our danger than to our safety.