Enemy still in
Kroonstad."
"Not much! Here they are, before my eyes. Please believe that there is
no mistake."
"Wait a bit." Then, "Where is Piet De Wet?"
"Probably cut off, and on the other side of the town."
"Can you remain there for a while?"
"Yes."
After a while, "You may return now."
"Had I not better remain and watch their movements?"
"Yes, do so."
I remained in the neighbourhood that night and the next morning, but the
enemy lay quiet in Lindley, so I returned to Heilbron.
When I reported myself to the Postmaster-General, he said--
"The President wants to see you."
I thought I was going to get into a scrape for not having been able to
report anything further. However, I followed the Chief to a small
building a few doors lower down the street.
Entering, we found ourselves in a fairly roomy office, where two or
three gentlemen were engaged in an earnest discussion. After being
introduced to them I was taken into an inner office. Seated at a table,
writing, was President Steyn.
Although attired in plain black, like any other lawyer, there was a
dignity in his bearing, and a force of character in his manner, that
could not fail to make an impression on my mind, young as I was.
"Well," he said, calling me by name, "where do you come from?"
My embarrassment was so great, in spite of the friendly smile that
accompanied these words, that I could only stammer--
"From Winburg, President," alluding to the last time I had seen him.
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