in farm. We went to the house to make
inquiries as to the enemy. A woman opened the door, and on learning who
we were, informed us that a quarter of an hour from her home an English
column was encamped. How disgusting! We had been in the saddle from
sunset to 2 A.M. and here we were, just a quarter of an hour from the
enemy. We thought and hoped that we were then at least twelve miles from
the nearest column. Why not engage them? the reader might ask. Well, we
did. But our horses, which had to live on the tender grass-shoots,
needed a rest very badly; we could hardly use them. Besides, there was a
blockhouse-line to pass the following night, and this one was still 24
miles off.

We proceeded another three miles, to be at least four miles from that
column. At about 2.30 we off-saddled. Being not quite at ease we rose
after a short rest and re-saddled. Two scouts were sent to a hill close
by. To their surprise they found the enemy's pickets stationed on the
same kopje, at the foot of which the British camp was pitched. Having
said "good-morning" to each other in military fashion the two returned
with the unwelcome news that the enemy was just next door. We had slept
side by side without knowing of each other. Ignorance was bliss that
night.

This column--about 200 strong--on discerning us, at once prepared for
action. Though very tired, we took up positions and began to engage the
advancing foe. We succeeded in checking their progress, and certainly
had the best of the situation till noon, when the scene was changed. My
scouts returned with the alarming report that two other columns were
advancing on us from Thaba 'Nchu.

I saw that we could not afford to lose a moment, for the two columns
were not far apart, nor at any great distance from us. If we should
continue the fight with the one the others would meet and we would be
surrounded. Hence I gave instructions to the men to fall back. The
report reached us unfortunately too late--our exit was already cut off.
The enemy had occupied positions all around us, and there we were, right
in the centre of a circle whose circumference consisted of an unbroken
line of enemies. My secretary, who had never before been in such a
circle, asked me: "Now, General, what now? What is our next move?" "We
must charge that column in front of us," I replied, and, suiting the
action to the word, we went off as fast as our tired horses could go,
making straight for the enemy. This was too m