. There was no necessity
for me to understand the guttural speech of the guard, to appreciate
that he desired me to return into the house at once. I did so. Efforts
to induce Mr. Hammond to take a little exercise in the garden I soon
gave over. After a few steps (a guard only two feet behind him) he
would be utterly exhausted, and would almost faint away on reaching
his chair again. Under these petty irritations my husband showed an
angelic patience and fortitude that alarmed me. It was so unlike his
normal self. I longed to hear him cuss a cosy swear; it would have
braced us both. But he was gentle, and appreciative of little
kindnesses; so, to keep from weakening tears, I took to swearing
myself.

Pretoria was like a steam bath. Frequent thunderstorms were followed
by a blazing sun. Vegetation grew inches in a day, and emitted a rank
smell. People were sallow and languid, and went about with
yellow-white lips. My husband was losing strength perceptibly.

I called upon Dr. Messum, and begged that he would summon Dr. Murray,
our family physician, from Johannesburg, in consultation. He preferred
a Hollander. I would have none of them! We haggled, and he gave in.
Dr. Murray came to Pretoria. He was very grave when he came out of my
husband's sick room. His report to the Government gained the allowance
of a daily drive, but even for this slight exertion the sick man was
soon too feeble. I wanted to take him to the bracing heights of
Johannesburg, but lawyers and physicians advised me not to make this
request. Johannesburg was still a red rag to the Government, and I
would be sure to meet with a rebuff. Notwithstanding, I went one night
at eleven o'clock, escorted by Lieutenant de Korte, carrying a
glimmering lantern, to interview Dr. Schaagen van Leuwen, and laid the
case before him.

My husband would surely die if kept in Pretoria; the Government
physician who had been attending him could attest the truth of my
statement. I begged to be allowed to take him to his home in
Johannesburg, under whatever restrictions or guard the Government
might choose to impose. _Johannesburg was my desire_, and I positively
refused to accept any alternative. Dr. Schaagen van Leuwen was very
kind, and promised to do all he could to help me, and he gave me good
reason to hope that my request would be considered.

In the morning I went again to visit Dr. Messum, this time with Mr.
Percy Farrar. I urged him to send in his report of my husb