note 56: The two shops in Camp contained precious little, and no
foodstuffs.]

[Footnote 57: Mr. Van As and Mr. Fourie were the contractors.]

[Footnote 58: How well I remember this incident; how we hopefully
approached the Superintendent's tent; how he gave two little boxes;
and how he said, "That's the way you spoil them," as I myself
unpacked the bottle straw for the old man. (The bottle straw had to
be saved for his horse's bedding.)]

[Footnote 59: I got permission first.]

[Footnote 60: Literally from Dutch "spit afbijten"--bear the brunt.]

CHAP. III.

Tuesday, October 1.--Village whole morning; barber (at last); came
back wiser and sadder man; can safely stow away comb and brush for a
month; two packets of candles by piece of luck. Grand dinner; roast
mutton, rice, mealies, and canned quinces. May I never forget that
dish of gravy!

Found goods from Champion had arrived; life again; pickles, jam,
"domel simmel" (golden syrup), cheese, and few pounds butter.

Supper sumptuous; good spirits.

Went through hospital wards.

Young Joubert (20) dying; visited him twice; quite ready; waiting to
be taken; found mother at bedside.

Old Mr. Plessis pleurisy; great agony; restless; fretful; fearful;
fear the worst; wonder if prepared to die?

Straight to convalescent tent; reproaches; "Ach, minheer, het min dan
ver ons vergeet?" (O, sir, have you then forgotten us?); Psalm 103.

Mrs. V.d.W. very, very bad; greatly comforted; beseeched me to come
again.

In old ward also; some very sick; Mrs. Griesel, Mrs. De W., Mrs.
Steyn, Engelbrecht--all very low.

Feel more and more to neglect hospital would be criminal.

Then still two other women's wards, where had to read and pray and
speak word all round; and finally the children's ward; girlie very
bad.

After rounds (seven wards) felt like king; happy; weary, yet withal
happy.

And our camp? Total neglect. But will I ever here roll me snugly in
my blankets with the satisfaction that all the sick and suffering
have been visited?

There have died up to September in our camp over 500. Appalling!

Only one buried this afternoon (Mr. Becker); died in hospital.

* * * * *

Thursday, October 3.--No diary yesterday; listless to-day also; hot;
oppressive days; one just longs for day to end. Towards evening
(sunset) usually nice and cool, and wind goes down.

What shall I write about? Diary becoming monotonous; too great