But he lived through it, as we do live through such things, and was sane and sound after it, though it left its mark upon his life.
Two hours later a gaunt, haggard figure stumbled down the hill-side towards the site of Mooifontein, bearing something in his arms.

The whole place was in commotion.

Here and there were knots of Boers talking excitedly, who, when they saw the man coming, hurried up to learn who it was and what he carried.

But when they knew, they fell back awed and without a word, and John too passed through them without a word.

For a moment he hesitated, seeing that the house was burnt down.