"I am very sorry," Mr. Hattingh replied, "but I dare not take you in." "Tell me some news, then," he implored. "Our men are getting hopeless and desperate, and when we bring them news from town it gives them new courage to continue the war." "I know of no news to tell you. I am _neutral_," Mr. Hattingh answered firmly, and the man left him with his mission unaccomplished. Unseen himself, Mr. Hattingh watched him depart, and saw him getting into a cab, which was evidently waiting for him in the neighbourhood, and drive rapidly away. Mr. Hattingh immediately went to his neighbour, Mr. Isaac Haarhoff, and told him what had happened. "What do you think I ought to do? I am under suspicion without a doubt." "Report the matter to the authorities at once," Mr. Haarhoff answered, and our friend accepted the advice with alacrity. He mounted his bicycle and rode with all speed to the nearest Charge Office, reporting that a Boer spy had been to his house for refuge that evening. "Why did you not bring him with you?" the officer inquired. "I did not know what to do," Mr. Hattingh began, when another official made his appearance and asked what the matter was. The first related what had occurred, and Mr. Hattingh, keenly watching the two men, saw the significant glances they exchanged, and caught the whispered: "It is all right." "No, old man," he thought, "it is all wrong, and you have been my dupe." The men then turned to him, telling him that if he were visited by a spy again he was to take him in and report him at the Charge Office. "Right," he replied. "I will do so." And on his homeward way he congratulated himself with the thought that he had no doubt been entered on the lists as a "faithful British subject." This incident was followed, as far as he was concerned, by far-reaching consequences. Not only was he left with his family in the undisturbed security of his home-life after that, but he was able to carry on his work on the Committee in perfect safety, and when eventually the darkness closed over him in his prisoner's cell, he felt assured that this would count in favour of his wife and family. Many were the men led by him through the streets of Pretoria to the spot where the burghers awaited them, countless and valuable the services rendered to the Boer commandos, innumerable the acts of kindness and charity performed by this brave burgher of Transvaal. Mr. Colin Logan, who gave up an excellent position in the bank, was one of the men escorted out by him in order to join the Boer forces. Riding slowly on his bicycle, with Mr. Logan walking beside him, they passed through a group of military tents, almost touching the soldiers as they sat around their camp-fires. Not a shadow of suspicion could be roused by their calm behaviour, and they reached the burghers without any difficulty.