For the rest, the citizens had responded to the call of duty with a spontaneity worthy of the highest praise.  They had “roughed it” in their tents uncomplainingly (sulking only on occasions, like Achilles).  All honour, all gratitude to the good men and women who had spent themselves so unselfishly for the common good.  The De Beers Corporation merit a meed of commendation for the manner in which they rose to a recognition of their responsibilities.  An expression of regret is due to the Commanding-Officer for the impatience with which we had treated his proclamations and chafed under Martial Law.  Our attitude had been oftentimes unfair.  But the Colonel’s regency had in the main been conspicuous for high ability, considerateness, and a firmness that could have scarcely been dispensed with.  Finally, Mr. Rhodes—­by virtue of his beneficent, unceasing labours on behalf of the beleagured population—­stood higher than ever in the affections of the people among whom had been spent so many years of his life.  This narrative may be fittingly closed with a peroration of his—­since it reflects the feeling of the citizens as a whole, which has been my aim throughout.  “When we look back” said the Colossus, “upon the troubles we have gone through, and especially all that has been suffered by the women and children, we have this satisfaction, that we have done our best to preserve that which is the best of commercial assets in the world—­the protection of her Majesty’s Flag.”