Accordingly just after ten certain troops of the Imperial Light Horse, under Colonel Edwards, the Natal Carbineers, and Border Mounted Rifles, all under the command of Colonel Royston, suddenly received orders to march on foot along the Helpmakaar road.

About 600 went, though only 200 of them actually took part in the final enterprise.
The moon was quarter full, but clouded, giving just enough light to see the road and no more.

The small column advanced in perfect silence.

Not a whisper was heard or a light seen.

After long weeks of grumbling under the steady control of Regular officers, the Volunteers are learning what discipline means.