His coat had a rent in it and he was holding the torn parts together, as if he were planning the mending of it when he reached Bloemfontein.

A young Boer sprang toward him, called "Hands up!" and projected the barrel of his carbine toward him.

The officer started out of his reverie, involuntarily reached for his sword, but repented almost instantly, and obeyed the order.

General De Wet approached the captain, touched his hat in salute, and said, "Good morning, sir." The officer returned the complimentary greeting and offered his sword to the Boer.

De Wet declined to receive the weapon and told the officer to return to his men and ask them to surrender.