It was observed with surprise that the Transvaalers were very much more careful of their own property than they had been of that of their allies, and that the railway was not damaged at all by the retreating forces.

The country had become more populous, and far away upon the low curves of the hills were seen high chimneys and gaunt iron pumps which struck the north of England soldier with a pang of homesickness.

This long distant hill was the famous Rand, and under its faded grasses lay such riches as Solomon never took from Ophir.

It was the prize of victory; and yet the prize is not to the victor, for the dust-grimed officers and men looked with little personal interest at this treasure-house of the world.

Not one penny the richer would they be for the fact that their blood and their energy had brought justice and freedom to the gold fields.