My quarters were evidently getting too hot, and I knew that Weil's house and store would be the first objective of the Boers.

I bethought me even novices might be useful in the hospital, so I decided to proceed there in one way or another.

Although the rifle-fire was slackening towards the east, from the fort, on the west it was continuing unabated; and the way to the hospital lay through the most open part of the town.

Calling to our soldier servant of the Royal Horse Guards to accompany me, I snatched up a few things of value and started off.

"You will be shot, to a certainty," said Mr.Weil.But it was no use waiting, as one could not tell what would happen next.