Having realized this, Johnson no longer dwelled on the minor matter of East Africa's invasion of Griqualand. Griqualand was merely a tiny, economically miserable patch of land. When the Cape Colony government had originally sent him here, it had felt like exile; now, he could finally return to Cape Town.
"Mr. Merke, let us set this matter aside for now. I must first return to Cape Town to report the situation. As for how the question of Griqualand's ownership will ultimately be handled, that will depend on the decisions made by the important figures in the Cape Town government. There is no need for me to continue this futile argument with you here," Johnson said to Merke.
Merke said, "Of course. Nothing is absolute. Sometimes, all it takes to dissolve a crisis before it takes shape is for both sides to sit down and have a frank talk."
"Yes, there is nothing that cannot be discussed. This benefits both sides, so I hope you can make things convenient for us from here on and not make trouble for us on our journey back," Johnson replied.
"Naturally." Merke said to his adjutant, "Arrange a detachment for Mr. Johnson and escort them across the Orange River."
"Yes, Commander."
Merke then said to Johnson, "Oh, Mr. Johnson, let me make this clear in advance: our men can only escort you and your team as far as the Orange River. Once you cross it, that territory is no longer under our administration."
"Heh heh, thank you for the reminder, General. But the far bank of the Orange River is certainly a relatively safe place. I still trust my own people."
Johnson was laying down a precautionary warning for Merke in advance, all for the sake of his own safety. Naturally, Merke would not do