The proprietor, of German origin, could do nothing but stare at us while we were eating the meal, apparently amazed at finding his house reopened after so many months of inactivity, and that people were actually prepared to pay for what they had.

We soon pushed on again, and just after leaving the hotel a sharp turn brought us to a really wide river, close to where the Imperial Light Horse were encamped.

Our driver turned the horses' heads towards it, and without any misgivings we plunged in.

The water grew deeper and deeper, and our thoughts flew to our portmanteaus, tied on behind, which were practically submerged.

Just then the leaders took it into their heads they preferred not to go any farther, and forthwith turned round and faced us.