At the same time any English invention was looked upon with awe and interest; they were wont to copy us in many respects, and if a Dutch girl had the chance of marrying an Englishman, old or young, poor or rich, she did not wait to be asked a second time.
There is no doubt the women were a powerful factor in Boerland.

Even a Britisher married to a Dutchwoman seemed at once to consider her people as his people, and the Transvaal as his fatherland.

These women were certainly the most bitter against the English; they urged their husbands in the district to go and join the commandoes, and their language was cruel and bloodthirsty.
* * * * * Towards the middle of November I decided that I could not remain in my present quarters much longer.

My presence was attracting unwelcome attention to my kind host and hostess, albeit they would not admit it.
From the report that I was a man dressed as a woman, the rumour had now changed to the effect that I was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, sent specially out by Her Majesty to inform her of the proceedings of her rebellious subjects.

Another person had heard I was the wife of the General who was giving the Boers so much trouble at Mafeking.