Although it is with the knowledge and consent of the Boer leaders that I give publicity to what is known to me of the methods employed in the Secret Service of the Boers, I do not wish to convey the impression that these events of the war at any time bore an official character. It is a purely personal narrative and has only been written at the repeated request, during the last ten years, of the many friends associated with the experiences of the diarist and of the principal characters appearing in this book. In order to preserve the historical value of the book no fictitious names have been employed. There are, as far as we know, very few records of this nature in existence, owing to the dangers connected with keeping a diary under martial law, and it seemed a pity, therefore, to withhold from the public materials which may be of use to those who are interested in studying or writing the history of those critical years. I cannot vouch for the truth of every war rumour related here, nor for the accuracy of the information which I have obtained from other people, but the experiences of the diarist, as they were recorded from day to day, are correct in every detail. My Dutch edition of this book, _Die Kappie Kommando_, is now appearing in the Dutch South African bi-monthly journal, _Die Brandwag_, and will, when completed, be published in book form in Holland. In conclusion, I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my thanks to the Honourable Sir Richard Solomon, G.C.M.G., etc., for the help and assistance which he has so kindly given me in connection with the publication of my book. THE WRITER. JOHANNESBURG, 1912. CONTENTS PAGE FOREWORD BY PATRICK DUNCAN, C.M.G., M.L.A. vii INTRODUCTION ix CHAPTER I. THE SCENE OF ACTION 1 II. HOW THE MINES WERE SAVED 15 III. THE SURRENDER OF THE GOLDEN CITY 24 IV. MARTIAL LAW UNDER THE ENEMY 32 V. ONLY A BIT OF RIBBON GAY! 42 VI. PASSES AND PERMITS 46 VII. POSTAGE BY STRATEGY 56 VIII. OUTWITTING THE CENSOR 64 IX. JAN CELLIERS, POET AND PATRIOT 72 X. A LITTLE ADVENTURE WITH THE BRITISH SOLDIER 82 XI. PRISONER OF WAR 92 XII. THE CONCENTRATION CAMPS 106 XIII. A CONSULAR VISIT TO IRENE CAMP 124 XIV. NEW DEVELOPMENTS 135 XV. THE FORMATION OF THE NATIONAL SCOUTS CORPS 146