due course they arrived at the unpretentious-looking bungalow which
was the private residence of one of the most famed personalities of
modern times. As they went up between the stone lions which guarded, as
it were, the entrance, they passed a German officer coming down the
steps, a straight martial figure, with upward-pointing moustaches _a la_
Kaiser Wilhelm, and wearing the uniform of the Staats Artillerie. He
exchanged a salute with Piet, and the latter halted and took him aside
for a minute's conversation.

"That's all right, Colvin," he said, rejoining him, while with a parting
salute the German strode on. "He has just come out. Says the old man
is in a pretty good-humour."

The President was seated in a substantial armchair as they were shown
in. He was likewise smoking a substantial pipe. This looked homely.
As Piet introduced Colvin, His Honour did not rise, but merely extended
a massive hand, uttering a single monosyllabic word of greeting.

"_Daag_!"

"_Daag, Oom_," responded Colvin, as he shook the Presidential dexter,
right heartily. His Honour, however, subsided into silence, during
which Piet Plessis entertained him with a running comment on the lighter
aspect of day-to-day events, ignoring _the_ situation of the hour.

"Who is the Englishman?" said the old man at last, designating Colvin
with a wave of his pipe-stem.

Piet explained that he was engaged to be married to a near kinswoman of
his who was staying with him. The Presidential features displayed some
faint show of interest.

"Your kinswoman!" he said. "Whose daughter is she?"

"Stephanus De la Reys, Mynheer. He lives in the Cape Colony."

"De la Rey! _Ja_, that is a good name, De la Rey," replied the
President, nodding approvingly. "But--an Englishman!" Then, turning to
Colvin, he said, still speaking in Dutch.

"Can you talk our language?"

"_Ja, Oom_," came the hearty response. During the conversational
nothings fired off so volubly by Piet Plessis, he had been studying this
wonderful old man before him, and in the strong massive face could read
the extraordinary and iron will-power which had made its owner the
prominent figure in history that he was. Something of Aletta's thoughts
came into his mind, and he too was wondering whether, had this born
leader of men thrown in his gigantic influence on the British side, he
would not have met with greater appreciation, nay would not his very
defects be held to be rugged v