He told her that though he had not been able to get news of her brother direct, he knew that a large number of prisoners had arrived at the Johannesburg Fort from Ventersdorp. He thought her brother would probably be amongst them, and gave her special permits to Johannesburg and back, and also a letter of introduction to the Military Governor in Johannesburg, asking him as a personal favour to assist the ladies in their quest.
"If I were you, I would not wait for definite news, but go to-morrow on the chance of finding him. Delay might bring you great disappointment. But, tell me, Miss van Warmelo, are you not glad that your brother has been captured and is out of danger now?"
"Glad? No, how can I be glad? It means a man less on our side—and he is a man, I can assure you. If all the Boers were as brave and true—and such unerring marksmen—the war would soon be over."
The Governor looked disturbed.
"It seems to me a strange thing for a girl like you to feel so strongly. Are all your women such staunch patriots?"
"Not all, perhaps, but there are many who feel even more strongly than I do."
The General kept her there and talked of many things, asked her innumerable questions on the country and its people, and drew her out upon the subject of the war.
Outside, the elements were raging, for the storm had broken loose, and the rain came down in torrents, while the crashing thunder pealed overhead.
Hansie looked anxious, and the Governor said:
"It will soon be over. Are you afraid?"