the garrison of Mafeking. She told them that, from the information she had gained, the Boers were already wearied of the war, and that their losses, from the continual vigilance of Baden-Powell's men, were very heavy. She had found the besiegers' camp dirty, badly equipped, and poorly supplied with food, and had observed that General Snyman was unpopular with the men serving under him. It may be that this information had something to do with the characteristic letter which Baden-Powell addressed to the besieging forces early in December--a letter which aroused vast indignation amongst the Boer leaders, and created much interest and not a little admiration in England for its writer's good sense and wise counsel. It was addressed, "To the Burghers under arms round Mafeking," and ran as follows:-- "BURGHERS, "I address you in this manner because I have only recently learned how you have been intentionally kept in the dark by your officers, the Government, and the newspapers as to what is happening in other parts of South Africa. As the officer commanding Her Majesty's troops on this border, I think it right to point out clearly the inevitable result of your remaining longer under arms against Great Britain. You are aware that the present war was caused by the invasion of British territory by your forces without justifiable reasons. Your leaders do not tell you that so far your forces have only met the advanced guard of the British forces. The circumstances have changed within the last week. The main body of the British are now daily arriving by thousands from England, Canada, India, and Australia, and are about to advance through the country. In a short time the Republic will be in the hands of the English, and no sacrifice of life on your part can stop it. "The question now that you have to put to yourselves before it is too late is: Is it worth while losing your lives in a vain attempt to stop the invasion or take a town beyond your borders, which, if taken, will be of no use to you?