I judge too that you were in the company's office at Kimberley." "Oh yes, General," said Anson; "that is true, and through the plotting of these two men I was turned out of my situation." "And then deserted to the Boers ?" "No, General.

I was obliged to do something for a living, so I bought a wagon to go in for trade; but I was captured by the Boers and they have kept me a prisoner ever since.

Then you fought the Boers and beat them, and took me prisoner again.

That's why I'm here." "An Englishman--prisoner to your own countrymen?
Why did you not declare what you were?
What did he say his name was, sergeant ?" "Said he was a Boer and his name was Piet Retif, sir," said the sergeant, with a look of disgust at Anson's fat face.
"Yes; that looks black against him!" said the General.

"He is taken with the Boers, while those who charge him are men of trust, being chosen to bear despatches." "Because they were not found out, sir!" cried Anson.