"We have a large force of men surrounding you," the general explained, "and you cannot escape.

In order to save many lives I ask you to surrender your men without fighting." The officer remained silent for a moment, then looked squarely into the eyes of the Boer general and said, "I will return to my men and will order them to surrender." De Wet nodded his head in assent, and the captain mounted his horse.

"I will rely upon your promise," the general added, "if you break it I will shoot you." General De Wet and several of his commandants followed the cavalry officer up the drift and stood on the bank while the horseman galloped slowly toward the troops which were following the waggons down the slope.

The general raised his carbine and held it in his arms.

His eyes were fixed on the officer, and he stood as firm as a statue until the cavalryman reached his men.