comrade. De Wet immediately sent in a note asking the enemy to
surrender, since they numbered only about twenty. They answered
shortly: 'We won't.' They were then charged, and up went the white
flag without their firing a single shot.

"For the night we bivouacked at that farm. The British columns were
now scarcely four miles from us. We dreaded a night attack, but,
owing to incessant rain, both parties seemed only too glad to stay
where they were. Here we had the advantage of hills and ridges,
where we could stand and face the foe.

"At sunrise the enemy's guns and Maxim-Nordenveldt began to play on
these ridges. Our guns had been placed in position, too, and
responded sharply. We succeeded in beating off the enemy's attacks
till 11 A.M., then we were outflanked and had to evacuate our
positions. Their losses must have been great. Two of our men fell
in the action.

"From there we marched in the direction of the railway line, which
we intended to cross that night near Houtkraal station. We were
about seven miles from the line, and were very anxious to pass
over. We were afraid that the English would send on their forces by
rail to guard the line and march upon us from in front, which, if
done, could result in our complete annihilation. Besides, we
intended, as soon as we were on the other side of the line, to
divide our force into several commandoes and let these take
different courses so that the enemy would not be able to
concentrate any longer all their men on us. Thus wearily we dragged
on through mud and rain to the line.