one
o’clock
For more than an hour nothing particular happened . John drove at a fair pace , and the two Boers cantered along behind . At the end of this time , however , just as they were approaching the Red House , where Frank Muller had obtained the pass from the General on the previous day , one of the Boers rode up and told them , roughly enough , that they were to outspan at the house , where they would find some food . As it was past one o'clock , they were by no means sorry to hear this , and John drew up the cart about fifty yards from the place , where they outspanned the horses , and , having watched them roll and drink , they went up to the house . The two Boers , who had also off-saddled , were already sitting on the verandah , and when Jess looked inquiringly towards them one of them pointed with his pipe towards the little room . Taking the hint , they entered , and found a Hottentot woman just setting some food upon the table . `` Here is dinner ; let us eat it , '' said John ; `` goodness knows when we will get any more ; '' and accordingly he sat down .