Shortly after, a Boer messenger approached the British outposts under a white truce flag. He was conducted to Baden-Powell. He had come with the demand from General Cronje that the Mafeking garrison surrender immediately and unconditionally.
Baden-Powell looked at the messenger in mock surprise. 'And why should we?'
'To avoid further bloodshed.'
'But we haven't had any yet!' B-P said.
The Boer emissary was regaled with beer and sent on his way back to his own forces.
-- from Baden-Powell: the two lives of a hero