"The President wants to see you."
I thought I was going to get into a scrape for not having been able to
report anything further. However, I followed the Chief to a small
building a few doors lower down the street.
Entering, we found ourselves in a fairly roomy office, where two or
three gentlemen were engaged in an earnest discussion. After being
introduced to them I was taken into an inner office. Seated at a table,
writing, was President Steyn.
Although attired in plain black, like any other lawyer, there was a
dignity in his bearing, and a force of character in his manner, that
could not fail to make an impression on my mind, young as I was.
"Well," he said, calling me by name, "where do you come from?"
My embarrassment was so great, in spite of the friendly smile that
accompanied these words, that I could only stammer--
"From Winburg, President," alluding to the last time I had seen him.
"No, no! I mean to-day."
"Oh, from Lindley. But I could not find out much more. Some think their
next move will be towards Bethlehem, others think they are coming on
here."
"Ah! Well, I know now that your information was correct, and I am
satisfied with your work. I hope you will continue to be so successful.
Now, go out there again, see what they are doing, and report to me."
"Thank you, President," was all I could say, as he shook my hand, and I
retired, highly gratified, as you may imagine.