as well have been asked to send the moon to the
front.

But their visitor was very grave.

This was no child's play, but a very serious matter, for a great deal
depended on the securing of that book.

The horses on commando were in a very poor condition after the hard
winter, and the men had no clothes to speak of. So it was absolutely
necessary that they should have their stock reinforced by the capture
of some of the enemy's trains.

Mrs. van Warmelo promised to do her best, but gave her visitor little
hope of success.

Soon after he left, a carriage drove up with Mrs. Joubert, her son
"Jannie," and her married daughter, Mrs. Malan.

Their mission was the same as Mr. Botha's, the secret time-table, and
Mr. Jannie, as he drew Hansie aside, urged her to do all in her power
to procure a copy of this valuable book. The same ground was gone
over, with the same result, "We can but try." That whole morning was
spent in seeing different people, trusted friends, on the subject, and
everywhere Hansie and her mother were met with the same objections.
Most people had never heard of this time-table, and those who knew of
its existence, were convinced that it would be quite impossible to get
a sight of it, as it was in the hands of officials only.

The afternoon again was spent in roaming disconsolately about the
streets of Pretoria, weary and discouraged.

Suddenly Hansie exclaimed:

"Oh mamma, how stupid we have been! Why, we never thought of D. He is
the only one who can help us. Let us go to him."

Mrs. van Warmelo's tired face beamed at her daughter.

"_Of course_, but I dare not go to him direct--that would be
indiscreet indeed. Let us send some one for him."

"F.?" Hansie suggested.

"Yes, he would do."

They were walking rapidly to an office on Church Square, when they met
the very man they were in search of.

"This is wonderful!" Hansie exclaimed. "We were just going to ask F.
to call on you, as we have a great request to make."

Talking in rapid whispers, the trio walked across the Square. The
man's face was inscrutable at first, but his curt and business-like
way soon gave place to a look of thoughtful contemplation.

"This is about the most unheard-of request that has ever been made to
me. I know the book exists, but I have never seen it--I shall have to
think about this. When must you have it?"

"Before six o'clock this evening," Hansie answered.

"Will you leave me now?" he said. "I must thin