And he had men to aid him like General Philip Botha (third of three brothers, generals), Commandant Olivier (now captured), Captain Theron (killed near Krugersdorp), besides others whose names have never been heard of, but who, if De Wet were captured to-morrow, would be both willing and able to take his place.

One peculiar feature of the Afrikander character is the complete absence of anything approaching hero-worship.  Perhaps this is due to the habit of ascribing success to the favour of Providence.  However this may be, it is certain that General Joubert’s death hardly excited even a momentary thrill of regret, in spite of his years of service as Commandant-General.  As for erecting a monument to the memory of any of our great men, why, we are all equal, they say, and anyone could have done as much.

Notwithstanding this characteristic of the people, De Wet, secure in the favour of the Government, knows how to make himself obeyed and respected.  I have seen burghers retreat who, upon being stopped and threatened with death by their officer, have torn open their coats and shouted, “Shoot!  Shoot me, if you dare!  I shall not turn back!”

I cannot imagine anyone venturing to take up this attitude towards De Wet.  He would certainly not hesitate to carry out a threat through any fear of the consequences.  And yet it was my fortune to incur his displeasure.  It came about in this way.  The chief sent for me one day and said—­

“You have asked to be allowed to return to the Transvaal.  But there is a chance for you to do some very important work just now.  Do you mind remaining three or four days longer?”

“Not at all.”

“Very well.  De Wet leaves to-morrow.  You will accompany him.  He wants you to tap the British lines near Kroonstad.  You may attach yourself to Scheepers’ corps, but you will be in no way subordinate to him, and you will use your own discretion in the execution of your duty.  He will give you every aid and assistance.  Try and get a horse from him, as we are short.”

The chief then showed me a map whereon was marked out our line of route.  It was evidently going to be an exciting adventure, and I thanked him warmly for having selected me to take part in the expedition.  I then went and hunted up Scheepers, whom I found in his tent.  This is the same Scheepers who later operated in Cape Colony, and whom Chamberlain has taken such a dislike to.  I can assure the Secretary for the Colonies that Scheepers is an amiable and harmless young man, who would probably now be teaching a Sunday-school class had Joseph not been such a dreamer.

“Well, Scheepers,” I said, “so I am to accompany you to-morrow.  Can you supply me with a horse?”

“That will be difficult,” he replied, “but if money can buy one you shall have it.”

This seemed good enough.  Early the next morning the commando was on the march.  Scheepers had kept his word and sent me a horse.  It was not an attractive animal outwardly, being of an indefinite shade between white and grey, and with an unnecessary profusion of projections adorning its attenuated frame.  However, there was no time to lose, and I mounted the steed, trusting it might possess moral qualities which would atone for its physical defects.