"I have come to make inquiries about my father's money, sir," began Jack. "He was robbed of five hundred pounds a few days ago, by some Boers belonging to the commando you have captured."
"Oh, yes, I see, my boy; you are Mr. Lovat's son," said the colonel. "I must congratulate you on the splendid spirit you have shown during this very trying time. You have a perfect right to make every inquiry. I know, of course, about the robbery, for such it was, I am shortly having an interview with Commandant Uys and his veldt-cornet. If you wish, you can go with me, and you as well, Sergeant Morton. I believe the back of the rebellion is broken in this part of the colony."
Jack thanked the colonel for his courtesy, and said that he should be pleased if he could have an opportunity of speaking to the commandant. A few minutes later, Jack stood before the redoubtable Boer leader.
Uys was confined, along with several of his officers, in a large room in the Town Hall. Several of the Boer officers with him had been wounded, but there was a haughty look on all their faces. Although captured, their spirits were not broken.
The commandant opened his eyes in astonishment as he beheld Jack, who returned the gaze with interest.
"I have come to ask about my father's money, Commandant," said Jack.
"What money?" demanded Uys.
"The money of which he was robbed by your brigands," answered Jack boldly in Dutch.
"You are the young rooinek who escaped from my laager?" inquired the commandant.
"I am," replied Jack stolidly.