During this second period of the war the troops in Pretoria continued to justify Lord Roberts' description of them as "the best-behaved army in the world." The Sunday evening services in Wesley Church were always crowded with them, and the nightly meetings held in the S.A.G.M. marquees were not only wonderfully well attended but were also marked by much spiritual power. Pretoria, after we took possession of it, witnessed many a tear, and occasional tragedies; but it was in Pretoria I heard a young Canadian soldier sing the following song, which aptly illustrates the type of life to which many a trooper has more or less fully attained during this South African campaign:-- I'm walking close to Jesus' side, So close that I can hear The softest whispers of His love In fellowship so dear, _And feel His great Almighty hand Protects me in this hostile land_. Oh wondrous bliss, oh joy sublime, I've Jesus with me all the time! I'm leaning on His loving breast Along life's weary way; My path illumined by His smiles Grows brighter day by day; _No foes, no woes, my heart can fear With my Almighty Friend so near_. Oh wondrous bliss, oh joy sublime, I've Jesus with me all the time! CHAPTER XVI PRETORIA AND THE ROYAL FAMILY During the next few months many events occurred in Pretoria of vital interest to the whole empire, and especially to the various members of the Royal Family. To these this seems the fittest place to refer, though most of them took place during my various return visits to Pretoria, and are therefore not precisely ranged in due chronologic order. [Sidenote: _Suzerainty turned to Sovereignty._] It was an ever memorable scene I witnessed in the Kirk Square when the Union Jack was once more formally hoisted in the midst of armed men, a miscellaneous crowd of cheering civilians, and an important group of Basuto chiefs who had been specially invited to witness the ceremonious annexation of the conquered territory and to hear proclaimed the Royal pleasure that the erstwhile "South African Republic" should henceforth be known by the new, yet older, title of "The Transvaal."