nd in
Johannesburg, as he was seedy. The train they were in had been
attacked by Boers near Heidelberg.

Rumour now began to be busy with General Barton's force, and on the
22nd an order came for General Hart to join him. We had just packed
up, when an order came countermanding the move.

Next day, however, another order came to the same effect, but
detailing Colonel Hicks to command the column. Though small in point
of numbers,[17] it would have been hard to have picked a better one in
point of quality. A finer body of horsemen, or one more adapted to the
work in hand, than Strathcona's Horse it would be impossible to
conceive. Without making any invidious comparisons, it is only just to
say that these Canadian troops appeared to us to have no superiors,
while the truly magnificent way in which they literally brushed away
the opposition, on the morning we joined hands with General Barton,
was a sight to be remembered.

[Footnote 17: 600 Strathcona's Horse, 160 Brabant's Horse, 2
Elswick guns, 1 pompom, Essex Regiment, 1/2-battalion Royal
Dublin Fusiliers.]

The regiment was entrained, but did not get off till about 5 p.m., our
departure being marked by a peal of thunder which made even those who
declared themselves fond of such phenomena nearly jump through the
roof of the guard's van. We only got as far as Bank Station, as the
line was reported infested with the enemy, and it was important that
we should not be blown up. Indeed, we had scarcely arrived there, when
a loud explosion--fortunately behind us--proved the activity of our
watchful foes. After making teas we bivouacked in the train.

The regiment reached Wolverdiend next day, in the course of which the
remainder of the force assembled, preparations being made for an early
start next morning.

Fearing that information would get through, the Colonel gave orders
that the column would start at 6 a.m., but at the same time issued
confidential orders to officers commanding units that he really
intended to start at 3.30 a.m. Unfortunately, however, it rained so
hard all night that it was impossible to start until 5 a.m. Colonel
Hicks sent Strathcona's Horse out to the front and left flank, while
Brabant's Horse took the right flank and front. The Essex Regiment
supplied the advance-guard, while one company of the Dublin Fusiliers
acted as rearguard and escort to the waggons. In this order the force
approached a low line of bush-cove