a word of unknown meaning which sounded like “Marema。” Then he took his seat with the others。
In the midst of this throng we squatted for four long hours。 I remember that I was perched upon a log in the blaze of the sun； taking notes to the best of my ability — those which are before me now — as the interpreters rendered the conversation from Sesutu into Dutch and English。 It was a very trying experience； since I had to keep my every faculty on the strain lest I should miss something of importance in this medley of tongues。 On paring the report we finally sent in signed by Osborn； Clarke； and myself （C…1776； Enclosure 6 in No。 111） — which report I remember I wrote — with my original pencil notes； I observe； however； that not much escaped me。
Into the details of that document I will not enter here； as it is a matter of history； further than to say that the alleged treaty under which Secocoeni was supposed to have bound himself to bee a subject of the Transvaal proved to be a fraud。 When this had been satisfactorily demonstrated beyond the possibility of denial； the officer whom I have named Mr。 A。； who had negotiated the said treaty； rose in a rage； real or simulated； and withdrew； taking with him the Dutch missioners； Messrs。 Holtzhausen and Van Gorkom。 After this we entered the private enclosure and had an interview with Secocoeni himself。 At first the chief desired that Makurupiji should continue to speak for him； but to this we refused to agree。
I need not repeat the substance of the interview； since it is published as an enclosure to the despatch which I have quoted above。 A re…reading of it； however； makes me wonder whether Secocoeni himself was actually privy to the plot to murder us； or whether it was entirely Makurupiji’s work。 If he was； h