ed upon as actually his own property, I deemed it most advisable to
obtain a written order from headquarters to carry out this plan, if
necessary. I saw Colonel Ward, and he was good enough to give me a
written order to that effect. This relieved my mind. As a matter of fact,
when we picked up the mounted brigades it did become necessary for me to
supply Hutton from French's supply column. Lieut.-Colonel Johnson, an
artillery officer, who was in command of this column, protested most
strongly against parting with any of his supplies, but, on my handing him
a copy of the D.A.Q.M.G.'s order to me, he, of course, complied. But I
knew right well what to expect next morning. I was not disappointed. I
had camped down that night between French's and Hutton's Brigades. Up to
that I had had no news of the whereabouts of Hutton's supply column, but
I knew that French would send for me very early in the morning. About
four in the morning I got news of Hutton's column. It had reached
Kroonstad from Welgelegen the evening before, and would move on as per
orders.

I need not say that it was a great relief, as it enabled me to look
forward to my forthcoming interview with French with less concern. Just
at daylight I saw a couple of lancer troopers galloping along towards my
little camp. I rode out to meet them. I knew what they wanted. They told
me they came from General French, who wished to see the officer who had
borrowed his supplies the evening before. Could I tell him where they
would find him? I told them it was all right, that I was the officer they
wanted, and they could lead the way. I shall not forget that morning. We
were in the vicinity of a place called Essenbosch. It was a typical South
African fine weather morning. The frost was on the ground. The sun was
just rising, but not a cloud in the sky. A big plain. Not a tree; all
clear veldt for miles. The two brigades were on the move. It was as
pretty a sight as any soldier could wish to see.

After three or four miles' ride I reached General French and his staff.
Our conversation was brief but to the point.

"Are you the officer by whose orders supplies were taken from my column
last evening?"

"I am, sir." And, pulling out my pocket-book, I produced Colonel Ward's
written order.

"Just understand that I allow nobody to borrow or take my supplies in the
field. If my troops go one hour short of supplies you will hear from me
again. Good morning."

"Good morning, sir