l passed within some two hundred yards of him, and he was
safe. It was now time to hurry off. The day was breaking. Again a plunge
into the icy river, again a fight with the racing current, again a safe
landing, this time on the British bank. So the escapade ended, but it
enabled those interested to form a fair idea of the lack of organisation
among the Dutch, and to argue that if once they should leave their
naturally strong fortifications and intrenchments, the first united and
sustained attack on the part of the British would mean their certain
discomfiture.

At the end of October the Border Regiment arrived upon the scene. The
Yorks almost immediately struck camp and prepared to entrain for Orange
River; but presently a counter-order arrived, and, much to their regret,
the regiment again resumed its former routine.

The place at this time was under military law, and precautions were
rigorously taken against spies. The railway stations were cautiously
guarded night and day, and none was allowed to approach without proper
authority. Troops soon began to pour through on the way to Orange River,
whence the advance was shortly to take place. Tremendous labour came on
the hands of Lieut.-General Sir F. Forestier Walker, who took trips
along the lines of communication to ascertain that all arrangements were
satisfactory.

[Illustration: TYPES OF ARMS--THE MAXIM GUN. PHOTO BY GREGORY, LONDON]

In readiness for the influx of troops new sidings were constructed to
north and south of the railway station, and the little karoo junction
began to assume an air of wonderful importance. Among the innovations
was a branch of the Standard Bank adjoining Friedlater's Store, showing
that, though not a Klondyke, this place, which has been described as
"the windiest, dustiest, most unfinished, most inhospitable corner of
the South African wilderness, the veritable jumping-off place of the
globe," was fast becoming the base of gigantic military operations. The
outlying farms were still in occupation, though inhabitants were few.
These apparently were indifferent to the progress of coming events, but
possibly at that time they were engaged in careful investigation as to
the side of the bread which held the most butter before committing
themselves to an attitude. Their sole obvious desire was that patrols
should not omit to close the gates after them whenever they chanced to
pass through their domains. The Border Regiment soon after its a