nding them over, in their only recognisances, as
honourable men, not to disturb the country. It was a strange Pax
Britannica; an affair of novel, almost quixotic, elements. But it went
through royally.

'You know,' one fancies Sir George delivering himself during his circuit
of the kraals, 'the Queen, for whom I speak, has to quell a rising which
threatens all that is good in one of her other possessions. Those who
fight against her are of exceeding number, while her forces there are
comparatively few. Now, you are all warriors of experience who, if there
must be fighting, would like to see a fair contest. In England the Queen
has many soldiers, but England is as far again from India as we are.
Thus, I can send troops from here in less time, and I am doing so,
relying upon you, as gentlemen, to see that the peace is kept while they
are away. With you, therefore, I leave that trust, mindful that we are
all subjects of a Queen who loves those who serve her loyally, but who,
when justly angered, can strike heavily.'

The velvet glove, fastening with the steel button, was gladly taken up by
the chiefs, nor did they betray the Governor's confidence. His invasion
of Moshesh, in this relation, was quite an exploit, for the old fellow
was stern and wily. Sir George had brought about the cease fire, in a
quarrel between the Basutos and the Boers. That gave him the prestige
which was requisite for anyone who would go to Thaba Bosigo. Having a
Boer for guide, and a few natives for retinue, the Governor presented
himself at the outer postern of the stronghold, after darkness had
fallen.

'I was admitted,' he said, 'and found Moshesh ill in bed, a bright
nightcap, with a tassel, on his head. A more strange, more picturesque
conference, bearing upon the well-being of the British Empire, surely
never took place. Moshesh was propped up in his bed, his leading men
grouped themselves round, and we talked. A fire burned in the place, a
tallow candle or two spluttered, making lights and shadows as in a
Rembrandt picture. My natives understood Basuto and English, and were the
medium for my converse with Moshesh. He was really one of the cleverest
fellows in all South Africa, as well as one of the most powerful chiefs.
Thus, I was pleased with myself when I left Thaba Bosigo, no longer a
Mountain of Midnight, knowing that he was in my league of peace.'

This novel covenant was strictly observed by the chiefs, so assuring the
Governor aga