But Surely You Are Not A Boer

The commandant of the village Tarka Stad was taking this ammunition out when we met him. His men, riding in two's and three's at some distance apart, were disarmed by us without wasting bullets on them.

At last the commandant, who happened to be some distance behind, came riding up to us. As he came on I rode up to him and said in a friendly tone: "Old chap, you'd better let me have your gun."

Thinking that I was imposing upon him, he said: "Come along; don't play the fool!" When I had assured him that I was in earnest he remarked: "But surely you are not a Boer. Kritzinger's commando is the only one in the district, and that is surrounded."

Then taking the report out of his pocket he said: "Just read this - Kritzinger surrounded, will be captured and brought in tomorrow.'" Imagine his astonishment on learning that he was then addressing the very man whom he had hoped to meet as a prisoner-of-war.

He handed me his rifle. After that we had a long conversation, and enjoyed a drink together, as though we had never been at war.

The ammunition and horses were confiscated, and came in very useful after the engagement of the previous day. The commandant and his party were then dismissed.

Pieter Hendrik Kritzinger, Boer General