We had no provisions except meat, bread and maize.

Even these were rather scarce, but we could not yet say that we were altogether destitute.

Coffee and sugar--except when we had an opportunity of helping ourselves from the enemy's stores--were unknown to us.

With regard to the first-named commodity, however, the reader must know that in the district of Boshof there grows a wild tree, whose roots make an excellent substitute for coffee.

Broken up into small pieces and roasted, they supplied us with a delicious beverage.