was quickly and stealthily done one
cell would receive the pannikin of meat, another the tin of potatoes,
&c. The cells were in a filthy condition. As has been truly said, a
Boer prison is not built for gentlemen. It was an unavoidable
misfortune that this prison, which had up to this time housed only
refractory Kaffirs, should by force of circumstance become the
domicile for six long dreary months, and through a hot tropical
summer, of gentlemen nurtured in every decency. Captain Mein told me
that he stood the greater part of that first night rather than sit
upon the filthy floor, but exhaustion at length conquered his
repugnance. These were times which proved men's natures. It distilled
the very essence of a man, and if anywhere in his make-up was the salt
of selfishness, it was pretty sure to appear. Many who before had
appreciated Charlie Butter's open hospitality, realised now that it
was more than kindliness which prompted him to give up his last
swallow of whisky to a man who was older or weaker than himself. And
they tell me that my own good man's cheery spirits helped along many a
fellow of more biliary temperament.

The four leaders were put into a cell 11 feet by 11 feet, which was
closed in by an inner court. There was no window, only a narrow grille
over the door. The floor was of earth and overrun by vermin. Of the
four canvas cots two were blood-stained, and all hideously dirty. They
were locked in at 6 o'clock--one of them ill with dysentery--and there
they remained sweltering and gasping through the tropical night until
six of the morning. For two weeks they remained in this cell.
Meanwhile, I knew nothing of my husband's plight, being mercifully
deceived by both him and our friends, every day Mr. Heath bringing to
Parktown telegrams from my husband assuring me of his good treatment
by the Government, and imploring me not to worry.

The Reform Committee consisted of seventy-eight members; sixty-four
were arrested. One of this number subsequently committed suicide in a
temporary fit of insanity caused by protracted anxiety and prison
hardship.

The Committee was composed of men of many nationalities and various
professions--lawyers, doctors, and, with only one or two exceptions,
all the leading mining men on the Rand. The Young Men's Christian
Association was well represented, and a Sunday-school Superintendent
was one of the list.

I returned to my home, and was in the doctor's care, and attended b