danger would then be that before I had fulfilled my
purpose, we should be hemmed in between two swol-
len rivers with the most fatal consequences. The
risk was great, but no other course was open to us.
There was no time to seek advice from any one; I
had but a moment to spare in which to acquaint
President Steyn with my scheme. He said at once:
"General, do as you think best."

My mind had been already made up; but my re-
spect for the President was so great, and we had al-
ways worked in such harmony, that I did not like to
do anything without his knowledge; besides which,
his advice was often of great value. Joshua of old
prayed that the day might be lengthened: but here
the case was different; we had reason to be thankful
that the day was passed and night had begun to fall
before the vanguard of the enemy had reached the
ridge, from the summit of which they might have ob-
served us.

That night was the darkest I had ever known. And
this was in our favour. Very quietly we retreated in
a line parallel with the English column until, on the
following morning, we were not only out of sight but
a good nine or ten miles behind the enemy, who were
marching on, fully expecting to corner us between the
two rivers.

The English army had been enormously reinforced,
and it was clear that now more than ever they were
putting forth all their powers to silence President Steyn
and myself effectually.

From their point of view they were right; for had
things turned out in such a way that we could have
remained in Cape Colony, then I am convinced we
should have made matters very awkward for them.

But what were we to do now? With so many
burghers on foot or provided only with worn-out
horses, it was useless to think of circumventing the
enemy, and thus getting once more to the south of
them; whereas to go up stream along the banks of the

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