Early this afternoon another man came to me in great distress; also no wood for coffin.  It does seem so bitterly hard.

Visiting whole morning, mostly down New Camp way.

There is one man always at my back; times a day; came with most wonderful request two days ago; wants me to get him a—­guess?  Baby!  Wife’s died last week, and he is now loafing another.

This afternoon two prayer meetings; men and women; took men’s down in old church (big tent there now), “Heere zijt mij genadig” (Lord, be merciful to me).  The women’s, I hear, was packed.  I had over 100 men; very good, seeing so few men here; nine prayers.

This evening children’s service again; beautiful moon; glorious singing; “Ik ga heen om u plaats te bereiden” (I go to prepare a place for you); told about Lenie’s deathbed; she is now in the mansion prepared for her.

Went straight thence to see Lena Steyn; saw women standing in front of tent; heard sobs, and knew the worst.  Poor, poor Mrs. Steyn!  “Ach, Minheer, ik het daarom nie gedenk nie dat dit oor die helfte zou gaan nie” (O, sir, I really never thought that it would go beyond the half); had six children; four gone now; husband Ceylon, and she is the dearest little mother in camp almost.

Knelt and prayed, and then mother said, “Kom, laat ons nog eenmal ver haar gaan zien” (Come, let us go and see her once more); so went to see Lena once more in morgue tent.

Rest after weariness; calm after storm; light after darkness; day after dawn.

She passed away while the children were singing Gez. 11.  While I spoke to her (Mrs. Steyn) at tent she was laughing and sobbing alternately; and then the thought flashed through her that there was no wood for coffin, so I immediately took whole thing into my hands and assured her I would provide and see that Lena gets coffin.

Another rash promise!  The Lord only knows where the wood is to come from!  Late this evening, when I took her some cocoa, Mrs. Steyn told me that Lena had said that I would provide coffin.  So guess it will come out well in end.  The presentiments this child had of her death and other things simply marvellous.  Am going to write at greater length about her when I see mother again.

And so these three girlies have gone to Jesus.  Now, what has become of all our prayers and supplications?

* * * * *

Friday, September 27.—­Longish day.

Great question; where to get material for coffin for Lena?  Remembered that I saw that the school was supplied with bookcase, and that the box in store tent (full of matches for distribution) could now be otherwise used; removed all matches[59], and lo and behold! grand big box empty and ready for carpenter; got matches distributed, each tent got two boxes; Roos set to work, and with two more milk cases (loafed at hospital), he was able to make quite respectable coffin. (A decent and respectable coffin here made of scrap wood and small boxes fitted together, and whole coated with preparation of boot blacking and oil.  A swell, extra fine coffin has a covering of cheap black material, 1s. 6d. yard.)