This appropriate interpellation put an end to the proceedings.  We set off, unarmed, as we had sent our Mausers back to the Transvaal some time before, and mounted on a pair of nags that were plainly unfit to make the journey.  Long before we reached Frankfort, in fact, my companion’s horse gave in.  We rode to a farmer’s house near the road to try and find another mount.  A boy of thirteen was the only male person on the farm.  Yes, he had a pony.  Would he exchange it for ours, and take something to boot?  No fear, what he wanted was cash.  How much?  Thirteen pounds.  But thirteen is an unlucky number; better take twelve.  In that case, he would prefer to take fourteen.  The pony was worth the price, the cash changed hands, and we continued our journey.  Some miles from Frankfort we met two Boers, who told us that they had also meant to return to the Transvaal, but had heard that the enemy were so close to Frankfort that they had decided to turn back.  We determined to continue, however, and shortly after dark we cautiously entered the village.  The enemy had not yet arrived, but were expected early the next morning.  We consulted one of our friends in the village, who advised us to try and cross the railway near Standerton.  We decided to follow his advice, and left early the next morning.  A few miles out of town we observed several horsemen to our left.  Fearing these were British, we swerved to the right, cutting across country.  Keeping a good look-out, we continued our way till evening, when we were overtaken by a farmer driving a cart.  He was lame and had never been on commando, but on the approach of the British columns had left his home to their mercy.  He conducted us to the modest cottage of his brother-in-law, where we found a bed for ourselves and stabling for our horses.  Before sunrise the next morning we were again on our way.  Through the thick mist we saw several horsemen approach a house standing solitary in the veld.  They dismounted and entered the dwelling.  Anxious to know whether these were friends or foes, we rode thither.  Making as little noise as possible, we managed to gain the spot unobserved, and found that they were Boers.  They gave us each a cup of steaming coffee, black and bitter, but none the less acceptable, directed us on our way, and wished us good luck.  Towards noon we reached a hamlet named Cornelia, where we introduced ourselves to the leading inhabitant, with whom we lunched.  Here my horse refused to feed, showing strong symptoms of papies.  There was no help for it, however; he had to carry me, sick or well.  Some miles further we reached the house of an English farmer.  He had the consideration to conceal his satisfaction at the approach of his countrymen and the kindness to doctor my horse for me.  The poor animal was in such a pitiable state that it could hardly stand.  After swallowing a dose of strychnine, however, it improved wonderfully, and we were enabled to continue, but naturally at a