looked for succour and protection in the hour of
danger. Before the war the very men who fought against the British would
have volunteered their services, at a moment's notice, to the Home
Government if England was threatened in any way. Most of them, we are
sure, would have willingly sacrificed their goods, and even lives, to
shield the interests of the British Empire.

Now when these Dutch colonists took up arms they did not do so blindly,
but fully realised the grave responsibility involved in such a step.
They knew that the action was treasonable, and that, when captured, they
were liable to the utmost penalty of the law, such as confiscation of
goods, banishment, imprisonment for life, or death. Some of them,
before they enlisted, had been compelled by the military authorities to
be present at the execution of those who had unfortunately fallen into
the hands of the enemy. In spite of that most tangible warning, they
nevertheless joined the Boer ranks. What then were their reasons for
risking their very lives in a cause which might perhaps fail? Surely
such men as rose in rebellion had potent and valid reasons! To be
stigmatised for life by the title of rebel could not be deemed so great
an honour as to induce a man to face all the dangers and hardships of
war. Nor were these colonial rebels mercenaries; they were volunteers,
that came to the assistance of two small republics.

Those who were acquainted with the situation and with the political
parties at the Cape prior to the war expected and dreaded, in the event
of war with the Republics, a general outbreak in the Cape Colony, and
were not surprised when their expectations proved true.

The Cape Dutch, as well as their English neighbours, knew only too well
that, in the event of war, the whole of South Africa would suffer, that
the flames of it would spread far beyond the Republican borders, and
would be kindled in the adjoining British colonies. Thoroughly convinced
that that would be the result of a war on the two Republics they did all
in their power to prevent it. Had the English element in South Africa
been as eager as the Dutch to abide in peace and avoid bloodshed, there
certainly never would have been war. But, alas! one party had set its
heart upon it.

To precipitate matters and bring them to a crisis, the public in England
was inflamed by rumours of the wildest nature, and was, unfortunately,
enticed to believe anything and everything which was re