Smarting under irritation and annoyance, I decided to go myself to Vryburg--Dutch town though it had become--and see if I could not ascertain the truth of these various reports, which I feared might filter into Mafeking and depress the garrison.

Mr.Keeley did not disapprove of my trip, as he was as anxious as myself to know how the land lay, and he arranged that Mrs.Keeley's brother, Mr.Coleman, should drive me there in a trap and pair of ponies.

For the benefit of the gossips, I stated as an ostensible reason for my visit that I had toothache.

I was much excited at the prospect of visiting the Boer headquarters in that part of the country, and seeing with my own eyes the Transvaal flag flying in the town of a British colony.

Therefore I thought nothing of undertaking a sixty miles' drive in broiling heat and along a villainous road.