"Eendracht maakt Macht?" she exclaimed. "I really fail to see the connection."
"Well," he answered, "isn't Might Right all the world over?"
"No, indeed!" she cried vehemently. "Might is right in England, and your motto is an apt one, but in South Africa might is not right. Our motto, 'Eendracht maakt Macht,' means 'Unity is Strength.'"
The General seemed much surprised and did not look pleased at her assurance that he had been misinformed as to the correct translation—he had been told on "good authority" that the Boer motto was the same as the English.
"If might had been right," she continued, "the war would have been over long ago—our poor little forces would have been crushed—but unity is glorious strength, an inspired strength."
Alas, alas, that she was so soon to find out how a want of unity can bring disaster and defeat!
"It is very stupid to argue with him. Surely he cannot expect to find my views changing on account of the duration of the war!"
Now, whether this unfortunate conversation had anything to do with the next developments I do not know. I do not think so, for the Governor was a broadminded and just man, not to be deterred from his purpose by any small consideration, but the fact remains that Hansie received a curt note from him four days later, informing her that he had changed his mind about allowing her to inspect the Camps, and that all her permits had been cancelled. No word of apology or regret, but a curt request to return to him the passports and letters of introduction she had received from him.
"Serves you right," her mother said, "for showing your enemy your hand."
"Oh no," Hansie said, "I am positive that has nothing to do with it; in fact, I don't believe General Maxwell is responsible for this at all. He is acting under orders, and if I am not mistaken Lord Kitchener is at the bottom of it. He has put down that awful foot of his, mother, and there is nothing more to be done."