LATER.--It is rumoured that a Commando of Boers will attack the town
to-night. The place is practically defenceless; most of the men having
returned to their work and the companies being disbanded.[5]

JANUARY 9.--There is a fearful impression abroad this morning that the
Reform Committee, or at least the leaders, will be arrested. My
husband comforts me by saying the Government could not pursue such a
course after having recognised the Reform Committee and offered not
only to consider, but reform the grievances which have brought all
this trouble about. He declares that Great Britain would not allow
this after commanding her subjects to disarm and promising them her
protection, and to see that their wrongs were righted.

'It would be the worst sort of faith,' he insists.

NOON.--The situation is very strained. I can see that my husband is
trying to prepare me for his possible arrest. 'It will merely be a
matter of form.' Ah me! I can read in his grave face another truth.
May God in His mercy grant us a happy issue out of all our
afflictions.

At a quarter to ten on the night of January 9, my husband, with two
dozen others of the Reform Committee, was arrested and thrown into
jail on the charge of rebellion and high treason. They had heard that
this was probable several hours earlier in the day.

The four leaders were secretly offered a safe conduct over the border,
but refused to forsake their comrades and the Cause. Leaving word
where he was to be found, and with the further stipulation that no
handcuffs were to be used in his arrest, or 'he would blow the brains