"There never was a worse pair of cheats and tricksters." "Perhaps not!" said the General.

"So you were a prisoner with the Boers, my man ?" "Yes, General, and very glad to see the British troops come up and gain such a success." "You said that you was a dealer in mealies and corn," growled the sergeant.
"Well, a man must do something for his living." "Of course," said the General.

"Well, you look simple and innocent enough." "I am, sir, really!" cried Anson.
"And never engaged in illicit-diamond-dealing ?" "Me, sir?
Never," cried Anson virtuously.

"I was only charged by those two to save themselves! Then they got on, and I was trampled down." "And joined the Boers out of revenge, eh ?" "No, sir: it was all fate and accident." "Well, fate is very unkind to us sometimes, my man," said the General.
"That is your wagon and span of oxen, you say ?" "Yes, sir." "Well, you have prospered by your change.

What did you say you traded in ?" "Provender, sir--mealies and corn." "And you ?" cried the General, turning sharply to West.