told
that if he and his command were on police duty the Boers would not
molest them, but if he was there for a fight, they would put a bullet
through his head. Major Elliott returned, however, without hindrance.
In the meantime the armored train had proceeded beyond Macfarlane's,
but was soon recalled, as the Boers were evidently trying to cut it
off. Later in the morning Boers continued to arrive from the north and
east, and came within rifle range of Macfarlane's farm, not knowing
that it was occupied by the British. The patrol opened fire on them,
and several of them were seen to fall and their riderless horses ran
across the veld. The Boers retreated helter-skelter. Shortly afterward
five Boers from another commando came forward, bearing white flags,
and were met by Major Elliott, who received the same message as before.
The Boers evidently had little knowledge of the proper use of the
white flag.
