for the asylum the prison door afforded them from their merciless pursuers.  They were quickly locked into cells.  For many hours they had not tasted food.  The first Reformers imprisoned slipped in to them a part of their own provisions, but as it was quickly and stealthily done one cell would receive the pannikin of meat, another the tin of potatoes, &c.  The cells were in a filthy condition.  As has been truly said, a Boer prison is not built for gentlemen.  It was an unavoidable misfortune that this prison, which had up to this time housed only refractory Kaffirs, should by force of circumstance become the domicile for six long dreary months, and through a hot tropical summer, of gentlemen nurtured in every decency.  Captain Mein told me that he stood the greater part of that first night rather than sit upon the filthy floor, but exhaustion at length conquered his repugnance.  These were times which proved men’s natures.  It distilled the very essence of a man, and if anywhere in his make-up was the salt of selfishness, it was pretty sure to appear.  Many who before had appreciated Charlie Butter’s open hospitality, realised now that it was more than kindliness which prompted him to give up his last swallow of whisky to a man who was older or weaker than himself.  And they tell me that my own good man’s cheery spirits helped along many a fellow of more biliary temperament.

The four leaders were put into a cell 11 feet by 11 feet, which was closed in by an inner court.  There was no window, only a narrow grille over the door.  The floor was of earth and overrun by vermin.  Of the four canvas cots two were blood-stained, and all hideously dirty.  They were locked in at 6 o’clock—­one of them ill with dysentery—­and there they remained sweltering and gasping through the tropical night until six of the morning.  For two weeks they remained in this cell.  Meanwhile, I knew nothing of my husband’s plight, being mercifully deceived by both him and our friends, every day Mr. Heath bringing to Parktown telegrams from my husband assuring me of his good treatment by the Government, and imploring me not to worry.

The Reform Committee consisted of seventy-eight members; sixty-four were arrested.  One of this number subsequently committed suicide in a temporary fit of insanity caused by protracted anxiety and prison hardship.

The Committee was composed of men of many nationalities and various professions—­lawyers, doctors, and, with only one or two exceptions, all the leading mining men on the Rand.  The Young Men’s Christian Association was well represented, and a Sunday-school Superintendent was one of the list.

I returned to my home, and was in the doctor’s care, and attended by a professional nurse.