I determined, therefore, to return to Mrs.Fraser's hotel, which was always a stage nearer Mafeking, whither I was anxious to return eventually.

As a matter of fact, there was no alternative resting-place.
It was impossible to pass south to Kimberley, to the west lay the Kalahari Desert, and to the east the Transvaal.

With many grateful thanks to the Keeleys, I rode off one morning, with Vellum in attendance, to Setlagoli, which I had left a month before.

We thought it prudent to make sure there were no Boers about before bringing the Government mules and cart.

Therefore I arranged for my maid to follow in this vehicle if she heard nothing to the contrary within twenty-four hours.