For the Boer, like the English poorer classes, has large quantities of relations, and one of them is always dying.
By the courtesy of the Pretorian Government I had secured room in the guard's van for myself and a companion, who was equally anxious to cross the Natal frontier before the firing began, and that was expected at any moment.

In the van with us were a score of farmers from Middleburg way, their contingent occupying four trains with about 800 men and horses.

For the most part they were fine tall men with shaggy light beards, reminding one of Yorkshire farmers, but rougher and not so well dressed.

Most of them could speak some English, and many had Scotch or English relatives.

They lay on the floor or sat on the edge of the van, talking quietly and smoking enormous pipes.