ntry and Magnet Heights.
The first day found the force on the east bank of the Steelpoort River.
The Dwars River, which was found in full flood owing to a very violent
thunderstorm, had been forded on the way. The Regiment was rear-guard to
the column, and, owing to delay in passing the baggage over the river,
reached camp some considerable time after dark. The Australian mounted
troops did not halt at the Steelpoort, but, fording the river, pushed on
to Magnet Heights, which they occupied the same night. Park's column had
been in touch with Kitchener's in the morning.

[Illustration: Crossing the Steelport River]

On the banks of the Dwars River Secoconi's men were first met with.
These, armed with rifles of various patterns ancient and modern, were
out scouting for General Kitchener in all directions.

At dawn on April 17th the crossing of the Steelpoort River was
commenced. One company of the Regiment was first sent across to occupy
the high ground on the far side and to cover the crossing. The river was
in flood owing to the heavy rain of the previous day, and the water
above the men's waist. The advanced company having got safely across and
having occupied the high ground, the remainder of the infantry were sent
over without casualty. The march was then continued towards Magnet
Heights, which was reached at dusk. Here camp was formed, and on the
following day the march was again resumed with mule transport only,
through Secoconi's land.

Secoconi was at the time at war with a neighbouring tribe, and a fringe
of hills only, divided the combatant parties, but an interval was called
in their operations by mutual consent to allow of the passage of the
British through their respective countries. On leaving behind the
outposts of one, the outposts of the other were met with.

Having reached this point to the north of the Transvaal, General
Kitchener's column was in a position to turn south, and, in conjunction
with other columns on his right and left hand, to sweep the bush veldt
and mountains southward towards the railway, near which another force
under the personal command of Sir Bindon Blood, who was in charge of the
entire operations, was drawn up ready to intercept any Boers who might
try to move across the railway from north to south.

At Vergelegen, where the column halted for the night of the 18th, some
of Secoconi's headmen came into camp for an interview. They were much
impressed with what they saw, patte