Close by were the barracks, with seven or eight occupants, the same sort of depot as at Setlagoli.

I asked to see Mrs.Keeley, and boldly announced we had come to beg for a few nights' lodging.

We were most warmly received and made welcome.

The kindness of the Keeleys is a bright spot in my recollections of those dark weeks.

Mrs.Keeley herself was in a dreadful state of anxiety, as she had that very day received a letter from her husband in Mafeking, whither he had proceeded on business, to say he found he must remain and help defend the town; his assistance was urgently needed there in obtaining information respecting the Boers from the natives, whose language he talked like his own.