I used always to sit next to Colonel Carleton at dinner, and from him and from the others learned the story of Nicholson’s Nek, which it is not necessary to repeat here, but which filled me with sympathy for the gallant commander and soldiers who were betrayed by the act of an irresponsible subordinate.  The officers of the Irish Fusiliers told me of the amazement with which they had seen the white flag flying.  ’We had still some ammunition,’ they said; ’it is true the position was indefensible—­but we only wanted to fight it out.’

‘My company was scarcely engaged,’ said one poor captain, with tears of vexation in his eyes at the memory; and the Gloucesters told the same tale.

’We saw the hateful thing flying.  The firing stopped.  No one knew by whose orders the flag had been hoisted.  While we doubted the Boers were all among us disarming the men.’

I will write no more upon these painful subjects except to say this, that the hoisting of a white flag in token of surrender is an act which can be justified only by clear proof that there was no prospect of gaining the slightest military advantage by going on fighting; and that the raising of a white flag in any case by an unauthorised person—­i.e. not the officer in chief command—­in such a manner as to compromise the resistance of a force, deserves sentence of death, though in view of the high standard of discipline and honour prevailing in her Majesty’s army, it might not be necessary to carry the sentence into effect.  I earnestly trust that in justice to gallant officers and soldiers, who have languished these weary months in Pretoria, there will be a strict inquiry into the circumstances under which they became prisoners of war.  I have no doubt we shall be told that it is a foolish thing to wash dirty linen in public; but much better wash it in public than wear it foul.

One day shortly after I had arrived I had an interesting visit, for de Souza, wishing to have an argument brought Mr. Grobelaar to see me.  This gentleman was the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and had just returned from Mafeking, whither he had been conducting a 6-inch gun.  He was a very well-educated person, and so far as I could tell, honest and capable besides.  With him came Reuter’s Agent, Mr. Mackay, and the odious Malan.  I received them sitting on my bed in the dormitory, and when they had lighted cigars, of which I always kept a stock, we had a regular durbar.  I began: 

’Well, Mr. Grobelaar, you see how your Government treats representatives of the Press.’

Grobelaar.  ’I hope you have nothing to complain of

Self.  ’Look at the sentries with loaded rifles on every side.  I might be a wild beast instead of a special correspondent.’

Grobelaar.  ’Ah, but putting aside the sentries with loaded rifles, you do not, I trust, Mr. Churchill, make any complaint.’

Self.  ‘My chief objection to this place is that I am in it.’