"A tale has been brought to me that I am not to be taken to the big camp to have my case inquired of by the council, but am to be shot down in cold blood when I come out of this house to-morrow morning.

Is that true ?" "Allemachte, Englishman!" answered one of them.

"Do you take us for murderers?
Our orders are to lead you to the commandant wherever he may appoint, so have no fear that we shall shoot you like a Kaffir.

Either you or they who told you such a story are mad." "So I thought, friends," I answered.

"But where is the commandant and where are the others?
The Vrouw Prinsloo here has been to see them, and reports that they are all gone." "That is very likely," said the Boer.