Military men, of course, understand this, but nations are too apt to be fretful as though some strange thing had happened to them.
It is not by such affairs that contests are decided--on the playground or in strategy.

Lord Roberts proceeded with his preparations undisturbed by the mosquito buzzings about his ears or on his trail.
At last, when ready, a second long leap was made.

The British army, leaving Bloemfontein on the 2nd of May, was on the 12th at Kroonstad, over 100 miles distant.

On the 24th the Vaal was crossed, and on the 31st Roberts entered Johannesburg.

Five days later, on the 5th of June, the British flag was hoisted in Pretoria, the capital of the Transvaal, 250 miles from Bloemfontein.