Inside the town were chaos and confusion.

The richest mines in the world lay for a day or more at the mercy of a lawless rabble drawn from all nations.

The Boer officials were themselves divided in opinion, Krause standing for law and order while Judge Koch advocated violence.
A spark would have set the town blazing, and the worst was feared when a crowd of mercenaries assembled in front of the Robinson mine with threats of violence.

By the firmness and tact of Mr.Tucker, the manager, and by the strong attitude of Commissioner Krause, the situation was saved and the danger passed.

Upon May 31st, without violence to life or destruction to property, that great town which British hands have done so much to build found itself at last under the British flag.